The M1 Abrams family of MBTs is still among the most potent in the world, and a perennial favourite of both modelers and model manufacturers, with Academy, DML, Esci, Tamiya, and Trumpeter all producing 1/35 scale kits. The vehicles in these photos were part of the 1/16 Cavalry, and were assigned to the Tank Commanders' Training School (I believe that was the exact wording on the sign) at Fort Knox in 1997. These tanks had just come in from the field, and show some good examples of the wear and tear that tanks are subjected to in service. Of course, I took these photos just after finishing my DML M1A1! C'est la vie, I guess. 

Our next photo is of the rear end of an Abrams. The prominent engine grilles dominate the back of the tank. The heavily discoloured grilles in the center are the engine exhaust, while those on either side are for oil cooling. At some point this tank backed into something, as evidenced by the dings and dents in the left-hand grilles. An interesting detail for diorama modelers to notice are the marks which the tracks have left on the pavement. Notice the ever-present buckets underneath to catch oil leaks. All of these tanks were fitted with T156 rubber-chevron tracks, and it is interesting to note that the areas in direct contact with the ground are the places where the rubber shows through most clearly.

This close-up shows details of the taillight mounts. These tanks were finished in the standard NATO three-colour camouflage. The mud flap, normally fitted underneath the light, has been removed, and rain has left streaks of dirt on the vertical surfaces around the taillight.

Along the left side of the hull is the port for the NBC system, fitted to M1A1s.  Further aft along the hull is the external pull handle to actuate the fire suppression system.  On the turret can be seen the mounting system for the tow cable, including the hollowed piece in front of the cable.  Low at the bow of the turret can be seen a welded part number (3138?); the lack of a "U" (for Uranium) after this number identifies this tank as a regular M1A1, not an M1A1(HA) or M1A1(HC).  Details of the smoke dischargers and the stowage box for spare grenades can also be seen; particularly noteworthy is the canvas cover for the launcher.  Notice the scratches all along the side of the armoured skirts, as well as the small rectangular plates on each skirt segment which show the vehicle's production serial number.

With the turret traversed to the rear, the driver's position is quite snug, and egress would be a challenge. On the other hand, he wouldn't have to worry about rain! The two wipers for the driver's primary periscope are visible, and to the left can be seen the latch which holds the hatch in the open position.

This shot from low on the bow shows details of the headlight guards, fenders, and turret stowage basket. The headlight assemblies, as one can see, are not handed, and hence are interchangeable between right and left. Note that, where the camouflage paint has been scratched on the bow (and the roadwheel rims, as seen in the photo at the top), a tan colour shows through. The thickness of the side skirts is very evident here, and the rectangular tube on top of the first skirt segment can be clearly seen. The difference in colour and texture of the two rubber pieces on the fenders is also interesting.

This close-up of the bow shows details of the headlights and headlight guards. The weld seam that connects the bow plate and the upper hull is very clean and subtle. Details of the fender retaining spring and hinge can also be seen here. A non-standard fitting here is a track end connector strung onto the fender spring. The track block just below the fender has been almost completely worn away. The person who applied the markings to this vehicle would probably lose marks in a model contest for not aligning the numbers and letters!