If you don't mind - I'm going to start a thread on this as both Carlos and Mark have given me some great advice and I didn't want to loose it in the 'new acquisitions' thread!
Thanks Gents for some great info!
Stuart wrote:The Trumpeter 1/72 kit - sorry, I mean M1A1...
I'd like to build some of the equipment mentioned in 'Team Yankee' which I'm re-reading at the moment - so M113, M901, M3, MUTT etc. I'd also like to do some modified M113's like the CP track and the one used for the FIST. I'm doing it in 1/72 as I've also got/getting a OH-58D and a AH-1S. It'd be pretty cool to do a T-72 and a Hind D as well...
You know how I like my 'Themes'
Stikpusher wrote:I hear ya. I love that novel. I couldn’t put it down the first time that I read it. Team Yankee had basic M1’s, or IPM1’s, the 105mm gun type, so I’d say to look for one of those. When the novel is set in 1985 was before the FIST-V came into line service, so a basic M113 will do. And the command APC is a M577, with the raised rear area. Mark/Duke Maddog can better advise you on what kits for this are available in 1/72.
If you liked Team Yankee, and have not yet read Red Storm Rising, I highly suggest that you read that one…
Duke Maddog wrote: I also love that novel; thoroughly enjoyed that. Red Storm Rising was another one. Brilliant!
Stuart, these are the possibilities you have for completing the Team Yankee themed model collection.
You picked a good M-1 Abrams, the other possibility is an old ESCI kit; released by Italeri as well. That Matchbox is perfect though. Italeri also releases the original ESCI M-113. Trumpeter also has an M-113, but be sure that you don't get any of the -A1, -A2 or -A3 versions. Italeri has the old ESCI M-901 still available. Any M-113 can be made into an M-113 AMEV with the addition of Red Cross decals.
So far, nobody as done a 1/72 scale M88 in plastic. There is a 1/76 scale Cromwell Models resin kit of this vehicle; but I don't know it's availability anymore..
The M-3 Bradley scout vehicle is available from Dragon in 1/72 scale.
The M-577 command vehicle has never been kitted in 1/72 scale plastic either. You'll have to do an extensive modification of the standard M-113 vehicle. Go to Dan Taylor's Modelworks, as he has some aftermarket parts that will help with that.
On the Russian side of things, Modelcollect makes a 1/72 scale T-72 that is excellent. They have multiple variants so you'll need one dated circa 1970-1980 without reactive armor. There is also a few T-62's encountered if you want to model one of them; Trumpeter makes the best one of them. BMP 1's will be an issue; as the only company that makes them in 1/72 scale is ACE. While they do build up into very nice models; they are short run technology and so will be difficult to build; requiring extensive test fitting and adjusting of parts. As of this date, no Shilkas have been kitted yet in 1/72 scale, although Armory announced one for release.
Let me know if you want to see pics of any of these built up as I have everything completed except for the M-88 and Shilka.
Hope this helps.
Stikpusher wrote:I hear ya. I love that novel. I couldn’t put it down the first time that I read it. Team Yankee had basic M1’s, or IPM1’s, the 105mm gun type, so I’d say to look for one of those. When the novel is set in 1985 was before the FIST-V came into line service, so a basic M113 will do. And the command APC is a M577, with the raised rear area. Mark/Duke Maddog can better advise you on what kits for this are available in 1/72.
Stuart wrote: Thanks for the info Carlos, bit of a bugger that I'd ordered the wrong kit, I thought the A1 had a 105mm, but never mind - I've got this coming. It's supposed to be a fair kit of an early model.
What scheme do you'd they'd have been in - MERDC or all over Forest green?
I found this site which looks good
https://www.team-yankee.com/Default.asp ... rt_id=5110
Stikpusher wrote: Stuart, at that time nearly all Abrams were in overall Forest Green FS 34079. Only a handful of very early production or development tanks stateside were in MERDC camo. The NATO camo appeared with the M1A1s, or when the early production M1s were sent back for overhaul after being replaced by M1A1s.
... I know my future wife looked hot in the 80s, thankfully she still does 
