Hello all,
Is it possible to convert the Dragon M1A2 (kit #3524) to a USMC version used in Iraq? Frind of mine who is a figure modeler just picked one up at a model show and is asking me for help. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated-thanks in advance!

Rich M.

No. The USMC doesn't use M1A2s. Out of the box it can be backdated to an Army M1A1, but not a USMC M1A1. The original M1A1 Commander's Weapons Station (CWS) is still in the kit, but it is missing the USMC-specific smoke grenade launchers. The USMC uses an 8-shot (double stacked 4 tube type) smoke launcher.

Voyager and PSM Models both make USMC conversion sets though.

USMC M1A1s showing 8-shot smoke launcher:

Hi Gino
So he would need the 8-shot smoke dischargers - got it. I appreciate the help -thanks again Gino!

Rich

One more question Gino:

I noticed on some of the Marine M1A1s in Iraq that there is a small box mounted on the turret in front of the loaders hatch. Some tanks have it, others don't. What is that box?

The box is called an MCD (Missile Counter-measure Device). It was used to defeat optically-guided anti-tank missiles. It was used during the initial invasion in '03 and shortly after. It was removed after that.

The PSM set includes an MCD.

I thought it was something like that- I vaguely remember hearing something about it but wasn't sure-thank you again for your help Gino !

Wouldn't it be possible to scratch build the smoke launcher an other minor parts to achieve a USMC Abrams in Iraq?

Sure you can scratch them up. Just giving readily available options as well.