Tracks are the correct T-142 done rubber band style made of a soft black material. The center guides are in the correct location, however there is a slight seam along the end connectors with minor sink holes on the roadwheel running surface. The headlight assemblies have separate clear parts for the lenses.
There are 5 sprues marked 2113 specific to this particular version of the M60A1 RISE Passive in USMC service. There will have to be many holes opened up on the turret in order to mount the ERA brackets. The ERA tiles have an oval on the back side representing Dummy tiles. The slot will need filling in to represent Service ERA. However, only those tile backs that may be visible along the edges might require the treatment as those in the center will not be visible. Looking at tanks in Desert Storm most had some additional storage or sand bags along the top edge of the turret side tiles so this could help the modeler if they apply same.
Additional ERA mounting brackets parts K8, K9, K10 and K11 would not normally be applied to the outside of most builds turret ERA. These were on one known tank from 8th Tk Bn (Res). However, individual mounting brackets can be seen in random places on tanks having ERA applied in KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). There were some extra brackets "found" by crewman while down at the port, applied to the outside of the tiles, used as additional storage mounting hooks.
There is a jig to help assemble the styrene bars that make up the Bustle Rack frame as well as PE for the expanded mesh of the bottom and rear. There is also a PE frame with bolt heads for the metal that secures the mantle cover to the turret. There is a styrene mantlet cover for both the main gun and cupola M85.
The TC and Gunners optics can be modeled in the open position and is a nice touch. There is a Loaders periscope molded in clear material. The Main Gun Bore evacuator or "fume extractor" is in two parts and goes onto a one piece barrel. The cupola mounted M85 .50 caliber barrel has a nice rendition of the triangular fluted flash hider.
A DWFK (Deep Water Fording Kit) engine exhaust stack with additional rear grille door to mount it on are an option. These were not used in Desert Storm yet will allow the modeler to show the tank in an Amphibious mode training in CONUS or deployed OCONUS. This kit will be easily backdated to a non-ERA hog and could be a good start for you Army Joe types and your builds.
There are four marking options included; "Beirut Payback" A Co 8th Tk Bn (Res) and the subject of the box art, "Wicked Bit*h" C-12 3rd Tk Bn, "Bummer" C-14 3rd Tk Bn and "Genesis II" C-51 C Co 3rd Tk BN. I imagine with appropriate markings and figures it could also be an Italian hog in Mogadishu circa 1992 or 93.
More to follow as the pieces get fitted. Kudos to Takom for tackling this subject.
Happy Jarhead modeling! Pics posted on ML Modern DG.
Outta here,
El Mumbo (aqui en Rio Rancho) sends . . .
