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120mm M256 Barrel
M1A1 Abrams

#MP 3559-1
Reviews by Terry Ashley

Tamiya Tamiya
This replacement barrel is designed primarily for the Tamiya M1A1 Abrams (Kit No.35156) or M1A1 Abrams with Mine Plow (Kit No.35158).

The barrel consists of three aluminium parts and one resin part in light cream resin. The quality of the metal parts is of a high standard and the fit is to precise tolerances, while the resin fume extractor which is hollow only requires the removal of the casting block on one end with a fine razor saw and all is ready for assembly.

Unassembled parts
Modelpoint

Assembly is straight forward, fit the two barrel parts together and just slip the fume extractor over the barrel and glue in place against the raised collar, there is some slight movement between the fume extractor and barrel so ensure it is evenly located before the glue dries. (I use thick slow curing cyanoacrylate for this as it allows time to make minor adjustments before hardening). Attach the collar in front of the fume extractor again ensuring it is located centrally and the barrel is done.

Fitting to the Tamiya M1A1 kits:
There is some minor surgery required on the Tamiya kit mantlet (part B39) to accept the new metal parts by removing the locating ridge on the inside of part B39. The barrel then fits neatly into the mantlet with the only other adjustment required is to carefully remove the muzzle tip barrel reference system reflector from Tamiya part B25 and add to the metal barrel muzzle.

Barrel fitted to Tamiya mantlet
Modelpoint

Fitting to the Dragon M1A1 kits:
While designed for the Tamiya M1A1 kits with a little work the barrel can also be fitted to the Dragon M1A1 kits. Glue the two Dragon barrel halves (parts B9/B10) together and let dry completely, the barrel halves include the mantlet collar which you must now cut off with a fine razor saw.

Dragon barrel
Modelpoint

Now drill out the collar with a 6mm drill bit, use a new sharp bit and work slowly keeping firm pressure on the collar halves so they don't pop open as you drill and then simply insert the metal barrel shaft into the collar and assemble the rest of the barrel as per the Dragon instructions.

Barrel fitted to Dragon mantlet collar
Modelpoint

Fitting to the Trumpeter M1A1 kits:
The barrel and mantlet setup on the Trumpeter kits is similar to the Tamiya kits and all that is needed to fit the metal barrel is to remove the locating rib on the inside of the mantlet (part C20) and insert the barrel.
The metal barrel is slightly narrower then the hole in the Trumpeter mantlet and by wrapping some masking tape around the barrel shaft it will fit snugly.

Barrel fitted to Trumpeter mantlet collar
Modelpoint

In all a very detailed and easy to assemble barrel to add that bit extra to any of the available Abrams kits.

Recommended.

Thanks to Dmitriy from Model Point US for the review sample.



Page Created 16 May 2004

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