Reference number: 06490
Price around £17.99 GBP (February 2014)
Review by Geoff Coughlin
Our thanks to Revell for supplying our review sample. Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For details visit www.revell.de/en, @RevellGermany or facebook.com/Revell
A little bit of background
The M1 Abrams is an American third-generation main battle tank produced by the United States. It is named after General Creighton Abrams, former Army Chief of Staff and Commander of U.S. military forces in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1972. Highly mobile, designed for modern armored ground warfare, the M1 is well armed and heavily armored. Notable features include the use of a powerful gas turbine engine (multi-fuel), the adoption of sophisticated composite armour, and separate ammunition storage in a blow-out compartment for crew safety. Weighing nearly 68 short tons (almost 62 metric tons), it is one of the heaviest main battle tanks in service.
The M1 Abrams entered U.S. service in 1980, replacing the M60 tank. It served for over a decade alongside the improved M60A3, which had entered service in 1978. The M1 remains the principal main battle tank of the United States Army and Marine Corps, and the armies of Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and Iraq.
Three main versions of the M1 Abrams have been deployed, the M1, M1A1, and M1A2, incorporating improved armament, protection and electronics. These improvements, as well as periodic upgrades to older tanks, have allowed this long-serving vehicle to remain in front-line service. The M1A3 was under early development as of 2009
So what have we got?
Just to be clear from the outset – don’t forget that this is in Revell’s “Easy Kit” range and therefore is a much simplified model with working features that may appeal to younger modellers (and older ones too who want to have a play!)
The kit comes in a pretty traditional breakdown of sprues but you notice straight away that the model is moulded in Desert ‘Pink’ and has marking already added; the idea being of course that younger modellers can get hold of it and just snap it together – well mostly. Some parts will probably need to be stuck together like the barrel but assembly is easy and straightforward.
Additionally, wheels are provided so that the model will roll along more easily. Tracks are vinyl and in one-piece so that they just slip over the road and drive wheels.
Conclusion
This sort of model is a great way to get younger modellers started and into the hobby and I for one think they are a great idea. Some good basic skills can be developed by building models in this range and soon, with some encouragement younger modellers may want to progress onto more involved projects.
I have to say that I flinched when I saw the price – £17.99 GBP seems very steep for what you get here and is pushing the pocket-money market to the limit.
Geoff C.