Orange Box has gone modern! For the first time, Orange Box has released an armored fighting vehicle from the modern era. The subject is the M1A1 Abrams, the USA’s current third-generation tank. Since its introduction in 1980, the Abrams has made an enviable name for itself, and combat in places like Kuwait and Iraq have proved beyond a doubt that it is a highly successful design. Weighing nearly 68 tons, the tank is powered by a gas turbine engine. It serves within the army ranks of Australia, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and, of course, the USA. In the USA it is used by both the US Army and the US Marine Corps (USMC). Indeed, it is a version used by the USMC that is depicted in this Orange Box kit. The actual variant is an M1A1HA (Heavy Armor), which is a version distinguished by the addition of first-generation depleted uranium armor mesh within its composite armor package. The USMC currently operates 403 M1A1 Abrams tanks, and this kit would be ideal for depicting a scene involving Marines from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

The original kit has been enhanced with updated Magic Tracks taken from Dragon’s latest M1A1 AIM kit. These track links are highly detailed, and will be of great benefit to modelers since they’re extremely easy to assemble and to fit onto the running gear. As with other sets in the Orange Box series, the impressive kit comes with figures, in this case four well-sculpted modern US tank crewmen to populate the vehicle. Thus, modelers can create an instant vignette or diorama straight from the box contents. Modelers can now get up to date with this modern release, and naturally, this Orange Box item comes at a very attractive price too!