| Announced on the 10th of March 2004 by the Australian Defence Minister was the decision to purchase
59 M1A1 AIM(SA) ABRAMS Main Battle Tanks to replace the 30 year old LEOPARD
1 AS1 Tanks currently used by the Australian Army.
All the new tanks have now been delivered to their respective units in Darwin and Victoria.
As a lead up to the decision by the Australian Government, General Dynamics Land Systems asked Defence Models and
Graphics to build, modify and paint a model of the M1A1 into how the Australian version may appear. A
TAMIYA 1:35 kit of the M1A1 ABRAMS was purchased and modification began. The kit purchased depicts the
version used by the United States Marine Corps with the addition of an Auxiliary Power Unit
(APU) mounted on the rear of the turret.
The first model was assembled in accordance with the instructions and painted in a similar paint scheme of
Australian three tone (Tan, Green & Black) as applied to the LEOPARD 1 AS1. Final detailing included
cargo in the bustles, .50 cal and MAG-58 machine guns, whip aerials periscopes and other small details.
General Dynamics Land Systems - Australia were very pleased with the results and the final effect makes
for an impressive looking model.
Two models have been completed recently in accordance with photos and details provided by the Australian Army. One model
has since been delivered to a Military collector in Australia and another has gone to GDLS-A in Canberra.
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