TMN: Preview: The M1A2 SEP Abrams TUSK II (Accurate Colour Edition) from Meng in 72nd scale...

Meng has released details and photos of the sprues, art & pre-colouring features of their 72nd scale M1A2 SEP Abrams TUSK II (Accurate Colour Edition) kit. We look through half-closed eyes in our preview...

Preview: The M1A2 SEP Abrams TUSK II (Accurate Colour Edition) from Meng in 72nd scale...

U.S. Main Battle Tank M1A2 SEP Abrams TUSK II (Accurate Colour Edition)

From Meng Models

1/72nd scale

Kit No #72-003a

Pre-painted, plastic injection-moulded kit.

Available in: November 2026

Product Link on the Meng Website

The Subject: The M1A2 SEP Abrams TUSK II

The M1A2 SEP Abrams TUSK II represents a highly specialised, urban-warfare evolution of the United States military's definitive main battle tank. Building upon the foundational M1 Abrams platform and its System Enhancement Package (SEP), this variant integrates the Tank Urban Survival Kit II (TUSK II). This kit was engineered specifically to counter asymmetrical threats in close-quarters environments where conventional armour is highly vulnerable to hand-held anti-tank weapons and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Powered by a signature 1,500-horsepower Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine, the vehicle balances its immense operational weight with formidable tactical mobility.

The defining exterior characteristic of the TUSK II upgrade is its advanced defensive array, most notably the Abrams Reactive Armor Tiles II (ARAT II). These curved, tile-like explosive reactive armour blocks are mounted on the hull and turret sides to break the stream of incoming high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). To protect the four-person crew during close-range urban skirmishes, the tank incorporates a remotely controlled weapon station (CROWS) on the turret roof, armour shields for the commander and loader, and an external infantry phone system that allows accompanying ground troops to communicate directly with the crew inside.

The Kit:

The MENG 72-003a 1/72 U.S. Main Battle Tank M1A2 SEP Abrams TUSK II (Accurate Colour Edition) comes (pre-painted) in a desert yellow colour, delivering a solid and visually authentic finish. The parts have also undergone a factory weathering treatment; the shadows in the armour seams and recesses are distinctly layered, giving the entire vehicle a highly three-dimensional appearance.

Natural and moderate grime effects further enhance the battle-hardened realism of the model. From the iconic TUSK II ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) tiles to the rivets, bolts, and engine grilles, the rich mechanical details remain sharp and clearly visible even in 1/72 scale.

Shots below show how the pre-painted kit looks together. No doubt before most people repaint it 😂

There is no need to mix paints, clean airbrushes, or worry about snapping delicate parts during the weathering process. Simply cut the parts from the sprues, cement them together, and apply the decals to complete the model.

"At a miniature scale, coupled with a factory-applied professional weathered finish, this kit lets you say goodbye to tedious painting processes" – that's what Meng says. However, the painting process seems to be some weathering acrylic over coloured sprues.

The sprues below – notice the not-so-fine wash on the lower pats of the kit...