Franklin Mint Armour Collection B11B815
M1 Abrams Tank Diecast Model
US Army
| 1:24 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| M1 Abrams | | 16" | | 6" |
This is a precision-engineered scale model from The Franklin Mint, fully authorized by General Dynamics Land Systems Inc. It has been carefully crafted and hand assembled from more than 275 separate parts, all hand-painted and hand-finished, featuring a level of detail far and above that of the Franklin Mint's regular Armour Collection series. This model features many operating parts including a rotating removable turret, elevating cannon, moving tracks on rotating wheels, opening hatches and more.Like a pack of giant predators, the M1A1 Abrams tank battalion moves stealthily across the acrid desert. As night falls, the dunes along the horizon loom like menacing waves in a dark ocean, and the commanding officer ordersthem to switch to their thermal imaging system. Suddenly, the horizon explodes, recon has located the enemy and calls in their position while taking fire.Unflinchingly, the commander orders his tanks into action. Charging into battle at full speed, turrets rotate as laser rangefinders target the enemy tanks, and with a mighty roar they unleash their devastating firepower. Opposing tanksexplode and there is scattered retaliation, but the enemy quickly realizes they cannot defend themselves against such a superior and lethal adversary. Hastily, the survivors retreat into the night, but the battalion of M1A1 Abrams tankshad not yet finished the job, and continues on in hot pursuit.
This scene could have been repeated over and over again in the deserts of Kuwait during the Gulf War. History will often highlight the unsurpassedperformance of these tanks during that conflict. In fact, they took very few casualties, considering that an estimated 4,000 Iraqi tanks were destroyed. Surprisingly, the first M-1 tanks were delivered to the U.S. Army in Februaryof 1980. Since that time, it has more than proved its muster in the wars andconflicts that followed.
The M1A1's 120mm gun got its first trial-under-fireon the battlefields of the Gulf War, and surpassed all expectations. During one tank battle in particular, an armor-piercing round from the Abrams passed rightthrough the turret of an Iraqi T-72 tank, and completely destroyed a secondT-72 sitting beside it! It carries 40 rounds of 120mm NATO-compatible ammunition that will penetrate any tank armor in the world. But perhaps the biggest advantages are is its digital fire control andgun stabilization systems, which enable the gunner to fire on the move, at highspeeds, making them just as accurate as any tank firing from a stationary position. In addition, the thermal sights give the MIAI the ability toidentify targets at night as well as through thick smoke, at ranges up to 5,000 meters.
When the M1A1 was designed, the survival of its crew in combat was the main objective. Through rigorous testing, this objective was fully met. Other than an encounter with an exploding anti-tank mine, the M1A1 is virtually indestructible. With armored compartmentation of fuel and munitions, a sophisticated fire suppression system, and nuclear, biological and chemical overpressure systems, this tank offers the greatest chance of survival on any modern battlefield. When a tank crew climbs into the M1A1, and closes all the hatches, they realize a sense of confidence that is hard to come by in any theater of war.
Another exceptional advantage is the Abrams' ability to operate in any climate, from the bitter cold of the Arctic to the smoldering sands of the Middle-East. Repeated testing has proven that they are rugged and reliable under the harshest conditions, and have maintained a consistent operational readiness rate of over 95%, making them the most reliable tanks in the world.
This tank was named in honor of General Creighton W. Abrams, fomer Army Chief of Staff and onetime commander of the 37th Armored Battalion. He served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, and supervised the Army in the closing stages of the Vietnam War. A born leader and true soldier, he passed away on September 4, 1974. It is fitting that the indefatigable M1A1 Abrams Tank is named after this tough and brilliant leader, whose memory lives on each time his namesake tank enters the field of battle.
The Franklin Mint "Armour Collection" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military vehicles. Armour Collection diecast vehicles from The Franklin Mint require no glueing or painting. Each model is an instant display piece or diorama centerpiece straight from the box. Franklin Mint "Armour Collection" diecast vehicles feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Accurately detailed underside.
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