Tamiya 35158 - 1:35 M1A1 Abrams with Mine Plow

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the American M1A1 Abrams with mine plow

Tamiya 35158 is a model kit for self-assembly depicting the M1A1 Abrams fitted with a mine plow — the equipment that opened lanes through Iraqi minefields during Operation Desert Storm. Mounted at the front of the hull, the blade turned mines out to the sides, marking a safe corridor for the advancing units.

The kit was released in 1992 and uses the same tooling as kit 35156. The plow is movable, and the manufacturer has included metal chains and wire to reproduce the roller mounted ahead of the blade. The 305 mm long model is completed by clear parts and two figures, while the decal sheet covers two options: a sand-coloured vehicle from Desert Storm 1991 and a tank in three-tone NATO camouflage.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the hull, turret and mine plow
• Movable mine plow
• Metal chains and wire for the roller ahead of the plow
• Vinyl band tracks
• Clear parts
• Two figures
• Decal sheet with two marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35158
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 305 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (mine plow, metal chains and wire)

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

Building the model:

The tank itself goes together quickly — a simple shape, well-fitting parts and vinyl band tracks that make short work of the running gear. The plow needs more attention: it is worth assembling and painting it separately before joining it to the hull. Cyanoacrylate glue and precision tweezers will help with the metal chains and wire.

For the Desert Storm option we suggest a uniform sand tone, and for the NATO scheme a combination of green, brown and black; the instructions give paint codes for both. In reality the plow blade quickly loses its paint and becomes covered in dust and scratches — chipping down to bare metal and pigments work very well here. Military vehicle models are usually finished with a matt varnish.

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)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for the metal parts
• 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 with mine plow:

The M1A1 Abrams is the American main battle tank armed with the 120 mm M256 smoothbore gun, protected by composite armour and powered by a 1,500 hp AGT-1500 gas turbine. The roughly 57-tonne vehicle is operated by a crew of four and had its combat debut in Operation Desert Storm.

The Iraqi defenders of Kuwait had prepared extensive minefields and belts of fortifications that had to be breached before the ground offensive could begin. For this purpose some Abrams tanks were fitted with mine plows mounted on the front of the hull — heavy blades that dug up the soil together with the mines and pushed them clear of the lane.

A tank with a plow retained its full combat capability, so it could clear a path and return fire at the same time. It is exactly this configuration, complete with a movable plow, that Tamiya 35158 reproduces.

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
• Special equipment: mine plow for breaching minefields (Operation Desert Storm)

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.