AFV Modeller
Corrected drive sprockets for Trumpeter 1:16 M1A1 Abrams
AFV Modeller
Review by Terry Ashley

Trumpeter
The Set:
AFV Modeller have released this set of corrected drive sprockets for Trumpeter 1:16 M1A1 Abram (kit 00926) to replace the undersized (incorrect pitch) kit sprockets that don't fit the kit track when assembled. Images of the Trumpeter kit sprocket are included as a comparison to show the differences in size and pitch.

The set consists of four resin sprocket halves cleanly cast in light grey resin, the only clean-up needed is a small pour plug on the ends of three drive teeth on each sprocket and also a quick run-around inside the lightening holes with a sharp blade to remove any minor residue.

AFV Mod sprocket halves in the set, arrows pointing to the small pour plug to be trimmed.
AFV Modeller
Trumpeter kit sprocket parts.
Trumpeter

Detail is excellent on the sprocket face and bolt heads on the inside of the sprocket discs and with two plug/holes to join the two sprocket halves together ensuring the teeth line up correctly.
Enhancements include the lightening holes corrected in shape from the incorrect holes in the kit sprockets and the revised sprocket hub cap and rim bolts both with enhanced detail and definition.

AFV Mod sprocket halves and as assembled.
AFV Modeller
Assembled Trumpeter sprockets.
Trumpeter
Comparison image with the Trumpeter sprocket disc in front and replacement AFV Mod sprocket behind to show the actual difference in size.
AFV Modeller

Fitting the Tracks:
The assembled kit track fits perfectly to the new resin sprockets, also note the holes drilled in the ends of the track pin brackets, a detail missing from the Trumpeter kit tracks.

Assembled kit tracks fitted to the AFV Mod resin sprocket showing the good fit and details.
Note the revised sprocket hub cap and bolt detail also.

AFV Modeller
The Trumpeter kit track around the undersized kit sprocket showing the impossible fit.
One could ask how a 1:16 kit could contain tracks that don't fit the kit sprocket by such a margin, but I guess that is a question for another time maybe?

Trumpeter

Conclusion:
These replacement sprockets from AFV Modeller are cleanly cast with the correct pitch and details for a quick and easy update for anyone with the Trumpeter kit, as well as upgrading and improving the detail on the sprockets. The reduced clean-up and assembly over the kit sprocket is a bonus and it's sort of an essential unless you want to spend the time making your own as the kit tracks simply don't fit the kit sprockets as they come.

Rating 9/10

Click here to order the sprocket update direct: http://shop.afvmodeller.com/

References:
M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank
in Detail

SP006 SABOT Publications
Book
M1A2 SEP Abrams Main Battle Tank
in Detail

SP001 SABOT Publications
Book
M1A2 SEP Abrams Main Battle Tank
Volume 2.

SP005 SABOT Publications
Book
M1A2 SEP V2 ABRAMS
Fast Track 01
Tankograd Publications
Book
M1A1 / M1A2 SEP Abrams TUSK
American Special No. 3009
Tankograd Publications
Book
M1A1/A2Abrams
Mini Color Series #7502
Concord Publications
Book
Abrams M1A1 and M1A2
Museum Ordnance Special #9
Darlington Productions Inc.
Book
M1 Abrams in action
Squadron Signal Publications 2026
Jim Mesko
Book
M1 Abrams in action
Squadron Signal Publications SS12053
David Doyle
Book
M1A1/IPM1 Abrams
American Special No. 3023
Tankograd Publications
Book
Abrams in detail
Present Vehicle Line No. 18
Wings & Wheels Publications
Book
M1 Abrams MBT 1982-92
New Vanguard 2
Osprey Publishing
Book
Abrams
A History of the American Main Battle Tank
R.P. Hunnicutt
Book
Abrams
A History of the American Main Battle Tank
Volume 2 - R.P. Hunnicutt
Book
M1 - M1 IP - M1A1 Abrams MBT
WarMachines No.6
Verlinden Productions
Book

Thanks to my credit card and AFV Modeller for the review Set.

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Page created 18 January 2018



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