Tamiya 35156 - 1:35 US M1A1 Abrams

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the American M1A1 Abrams main battle tank

Tamiya 35156 is a model kit for self-assembly depicting the M1A1 Abrams — the tank that had its combat debut in Operation Desert Storm and showed what technological superiority looks like on a modern battlefield. The angular, flat turret with composite armour and the long 120 mm smoothbore barrel form one of the most recognisable armour silhouettes of recent decades.

The kit was released in 1992 and is based on the 1982 M1 tooling. The 300 mm long model is built on vinyl band tracks, and the box also contains film for reproducing the periscope glass. Two figures complete the scene and allow the tank to be displayed with crew in the hatches.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the hull, turret and equipment
• Vinyl band tracks
• Film for the periscopes
• Two figures
• Decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35156
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 300 mm
• Skill level: beginner

Please note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

The simple breakdown and excellent parts fit make this a good choice for a first venture into armour modelling. The vinyl band tracks finish the running gear quickly, and the flat surfaces of the hull and turret are rewarding to paint with an airbrush. The periscope film is best cut with a sharp blade and fitted only after the turret has been painted.

For painting we suggest NATO Green or, for a Middle East vehicle, a uniform sand tone; the instructions give paint codes for the schemes provided by the manufacturer. Military vehicle models are usually finished with a matt varnish. Dust settling on the lower hull and chipping along the edges can be reproduced with a wash and pigments.

Tools you will need:

• Model sprue cutters
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in a range of sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Wash to bring out details and recesses
• Optional: pigments for desert dust effects

About the vehicle – M1A1 Abrams:

The M1 Abrams was developed as the US Army's answer to successive generations of Soviet tanks. The M1A1 version introduced the most important change: the 120 mm M256 smoothbore gun, a licence-built version of a German design and far more effective than the earlier 105 mm weapon.

Power comes from a 1,500 hp AGT-1500 gas turbine — an unusual choice for a tank, giving remarkable acceleration and quiet running, but also heavy fuel consumption. Composite armour, a weight of around 57 tonnes and a four-man crew complete the picture of a heavy main battle tank built around superiority in detecting and hitting the target.

The Abrams saw its combat debut in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. American tanks destroyed Iraqi equipment at ranges from which the enemy could not reply effectively — largely thanks to thermal imaging and the fire control system.

Original vehicle specifications (M1A1 Abrams):

• Combat weight: approx. 57 t
• Crew: 4
• Main armament: 120 mm M256 smoothbore gun
• Armour: composite
• Powerplant: AGT-1500 gas turbine, 1,500 hp
• Combat debut: Operation Desert Storm (1991)

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The company initially traded in timber and produced wooden models, and in 1960 it launched its first plastic model kit. Two years later came the 1:35 scale tank that set the worldwide standard for military modelling. The brand is known for precise injection moulds and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. Tamiya instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the painting diagrams provide specific paint codes. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, comprises hundreds of items covering vehicles, artillery and figures from across the twentieth century. Alongside plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, cements, tools and brushes. The company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the industry.