Build the modern US Army M1A2 Abrams main battle tank outfitted with the Tank Urban Survival Kit (TUSK) II in 1/35 scale. Engineered with crisp multi-color injection molding, newly tooled turret slat armor, curved reactive armor tiles, and optional soft rubber or T158 connected tracks, this Skill Level 4 kit delivers authentic modern armor detail.
What is included in the Academy US Army M1A2 V2 TUSK II kit?
The Academy 1/35 US Army M1A2 V2 TUSK II kit includes precision injection-molded plastic sprues in tan, black, and clear, photo-etched brass parts, and a choice of soft rubber band tracks or T158 connected individual track links. Builders also receive waterslide decals for two US Army 4th Infantry Division markings and an illustrated step-by-step assembly manual with a multi-brand paint index.
Assembly Guide: Preview the complete step-by-step build sequence, sprue map, and color callouts before you buy—Download the Academy 1/35 US Army M1A2 V2 TUSK II Instruction Manual (PDF).
What tools and supplies are required to build the Academy US Army M1A2 V2 TUSK II?
Assembling this kit requires extra-thin liquid polystyrene cement, cyanoacrylate (CA) glue for photo-etched components, precision sprue nippers, a #11 hobby craft knife, sanding sponges, and modeling paints. Finishing the modern US Army desert sand or NATO green schemes also calls for hobby primers, masking tape, clear transparent colors for periscopes, and waterslide decal setting solution.
How long does it take to assemble and paint the Academy US Army M1A2 V2 TUSK II?
Expect approximately 25 to 40 hours of bench work to assemble the hull, TUSK II reactive armor tiles, slat armor racks, and detailed CROWS weapon station, followed by painting and weathering. Pacing progresses smoothly from the lower hull and T158 track runs to the turret reactive armor modules, clear armored gun shields, and final decal application.
The Subject: US Army M1A2 Abrams V2 TUSK II
Developed to enhance crew survivability during high-intensity urban combat and asymmetric operations, the Tank Urban Survival Kit (TUSK) II upgrades the M1A2 System Enhancement Package Version 2 (SEP V2) main battle tank with modular defensive systems. Distinctive curved Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) tiles shield both the hull side skirts and turret flanks against shaped-charge warheads, while rear turret slat armor disrupts incoming rocket-propelled grenades. Topside survivability and situational awareness are reinforced by the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) mounting an M2 .50-caliber heavy machine gun, alongside transparent armored gun shields protecting the loader’s station. Academy includes authentic marking profiles for the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division deployed in Germany in February and May 2017.
Kit Architecture & Sprue Engineering
Academy's 1/35 scale tooling captures the aggressive, layered silhouette of the up-armored Abrams with crisp surface fidelity and flexible build options. Builders can configure the model as either a standard M1A2 V2 or the full M1A2 V2 TUSK II variant. Key engineering highlights include newly tooled turret rear slat armor, multi-row curved reactive armor tile banks, a finely detailed CROWS II remote turret, and clear-molded parts for the loader's ballistic shields and vision blocks. For the running gear, Academy provides both quick-build soft vinyl tracks and high-detail T158 connected link-and-length tracks, complemented by photo-etched brass engine grilles and stowage basket screens.
Technical Specifications
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Feature
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Specification
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Scale
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1:35
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Manufacturer
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Academy Plastic Model Co., Ltd. (Seoul, South Korea)
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Manufacturer Part Number (MPN)
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13504
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Product Type
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Unassembled Plastic Model Kit (Glue and Paint Required)
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Skill Level
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Skill Level 4 (Intermediate to Advanced)
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Estimated Build Time
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25–40 Hours
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Finished Dimensions
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292mm L x 98mm H (11.50" L x 3.86" H)
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Box Dimensions
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16.2" L x 10.25" W x 3.4" H
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Recommended Age
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14 Years and Older
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Primary Material
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High-Grade Polystyrene Plastic (Tan, Black, Clear) with Vinyl & Photo-Etched Brass
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Decals Included
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Waterslide Decals (2 Options: 1st Bn, 66th Armor Regt, 4th Infantry Division, 2017)
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Photo-Etched Parts
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Included
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Track Options
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Soft Rubber Tracks & T158 Connected Tracks Included
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What You Need: Builder’s Bench Kit & Consumables
Equip your modeling workbench with BTH-stocked supplies and scenic materials to complete your Abrams build:
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Assembly Adhesives: Extra-thin liquid polystyrene cement for clean plastic-to-plastic joins and cyanoacrylate (CA) glue for securing photo-etched brass parts.
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Precision Hand Tools: Flush-cut sprue nippers, hobby craft knife with #11 blades, curved tweezers for small reactive armor brackets and PE screens, and flexible sanding sponges.
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Paints & Finishing (BTH Lineup): Two Thin Coats paints by Duncan Rhodes and Warcolours hobby acrylics and primers in Sand, NATO Green (FS34094), Olive Drab (FS34087), Steel, Silver, Flat Black, Gold, Clear Red, and Clear Orange for optics and periscopes.
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Decal Solutions & Weathering: Waterslide decal setting and softening solutions, dark panel-line washes, and desert dust or European earth weathering pigments.
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Scenic Diorama Groundwork (BTH Lineup): Finish your display base with Gamers Grass static grass tufts (such as Dry Steppe or Wild tufts) and scenic basing materials to frame either an arid training range or a European maneuver ground.
