Best Of Detailing the Micro-Trains DODX M1 Abrams Tank Sets

[sundowner]

Some interesting loads suggestions for possible future runners pack.
We could also used some more of the four axle cars.

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=3211505
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=3188831
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1843706
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=3216719

[Rivet Miscounter]

Sounds awesome.  Any photos of your Z tanks?

So as I mentioned before....awesome thread.   I have gleaned a lot of good info about modeling DODX.  I have plans to do similar things in Z, but have been reluctant to post much more here as I don't want to "muddy the waters" so to speak with Z-scale...err...mud.   More info on my build can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/mockind/posts/623723808024300    So far it is mostly just info on the prototype that I'm trying to emulate.   Even factoring in that I'm in Z, I'm still not likely to be going to the lengths shown here, but I'm trying to incorporate as much as I can.  So far I have a collection of 24 of the MTL Abrams tanks, 8 Z-Panzer M2A2's, 2 Z-Panzer M577's, 4 MTL TTX flats, 8 Shapeways/Stony Smith DODX 68ft flats, and 12 somewhat-close Shapeways/??? Buckeye trucks.

So all the above aside, my question is scale neutral and hopefully any answers will add to the discussion.  It's sort of two parts but I really just want to know if there is a good resource online (think "Yahoo group" and yes I know they are going away...iogroups, et al) that can tell me what I'm looking at with the photos above?   There are a few pieces of equipment I haven't ID'd, I don't really know exactly what M1-?? tanks I'm looking at, and also moving to my second question...what are the markings, what do they mean, and how can I fill in some holes with regards to creating decals with the right numbers, logos, etc.  (and those fluorescent placards)  And maybe some of you know these answers and if so that's great and much appreciated.

[John]

Doug .. I found a lot of good info on some of the armor modeling sites .. this one comes to mind .. https://www.armorama.com/  they have a forum ..

[John]

I just received a care package from modeltrainstuff .. finally got the second release of the Hummers, and also the new Containers on Flats .. interesting kit .. yes .. kit .. you have to do some cutting and gluing .. and decaling -- ie modeling

Thought I would share the directions, since I actually haven't done the modeling part yet

[Rivet Miscounter]

Doug .. I found a lot of good info on some of the armor modeling sites .. this one comes to mind .. https://www.armorama.com/  they have a forum ..

Thanks John, lots of info.  See y'all in a few weeks!   

[Peavine]

A word of caution about the resin loads. They come prepainted but need to be gloss coated for decaling. I started with a coat of Tamiya gloss, then ran out. I didn’t get the gloss I wanted, so I hit them with a bit of testor’s gloss. A few days later, the paint was actually peeling off one of the loads. Only seems to have affected one at this point, but I’m going to keep a close eye on the others before I commit my decals to them. I’ve stripped the load and will repaint it. Not sure why it only happened on one.

[Rio Grandeous]

Doug
  Just checked out the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment train you took photos of back in 2003.  Man, that brings back memories.  I was in that unit for four years and that particular train was enroute from Ft. Carson, CO to Beaumont, TX(I believe) to be loaded onto ships for that unit's first tour in Iraq.  They "missed the boat" on the invasion but made it "in country" shortly after your photos.  Hard to believe we went there with soft skinned humvee's with aluminum can bodies and canvas tarps basically coverings.  I can decipher any of the markings and what they mean.  I ETS'd shortly before the photos you took and deployed to Bosnia with that outfit a few years before that.  I can't tell you how awesome it is to see those images!  SOOOO many things have changed after that, sorry I'm so longwinded.  PM me with any questions you have and I can provide you with way too much info!!    I believe Eagle2 can provide assistance here as well.

Chuck

[Rivet Miscounter]

Hi Chuck, Thanks for the reply.   Glad that you like the photos and it's great that you have info on the movement.  I'll definitely PM you.

[sundowner]

New 3 pack coming. With or without reflectors and three different loads, 3 humers, 2 M1 And 2 MRLS hopefully the MLRS come as separate loads

[Rio Grandeous]

Just saw the newest ad for the variety pack with the MLRS in it as well.  MLRS??  Not complaining but I seem to remember hearing that perhaps we'd be seeing a HEMTT cargo or tanker being made next?  Hopefully they'll be in the pipeline.  Are these still in the sights Joe?
Thanks for the offerings thus far Micro-Trains!!

Chuck

[John]

With the world being shut down, I've been working on my military train.  I found some .stl files on Thingyverse which included the M1, M2/3, various Stryker, HMVWW and MRAPs.  These files were scaled to 1/100 scale by the designer .. so I've been slowly reworking them to be 1/160 ..  Here is an example of one I printed last night 4/3/2020 ... I missed the mark on the scaling   This might be Z or smaller .. A MT M1A1 is on the right

[John]

4/4/2020

I resized some files from Thingyverse .. this test shot of an M1 turned out ok .. a little too high, and the main gun looks a little thick ..  but the detail is good ..  the primer paint hides some of the details.
















There are several variations to the turret ..

[gi-depp]

Here is one of my MTL M1A2



with some spareparts and good painting it looks not so bad

[John]

Here is one of my MTL M1A2



with some spareparts and goog painting it looks not so bad

Very nice .. thanks for sharing

[MK]

Love the weather!