Since its introduction in 1981, at the height of the Cold War, the Abrams main battle tank has been one of the most visible and iconic symbols of American military power, and it is the fascinating subject of this heavily illustrated historical and modelling guide in the TankCraft series by David Grummitt.

Designed to meet head-on the massed tank forces of the Warsaw Pact, its combat debut in fact came in a different scenario in 1991 during the First Gulf War. Since then it has served in the peace-keeping role in the former Yugoslavia and seen combat in Iraq, Afghanistan and Yemen. It has gone through a series of modifications and modernizations that see it set to remain the backbone of the US Army until at least 2050.

As well as charting the development and combat history of the vehicle, the book is illustrated throughout with color photos and specially commissioned color profiles. Seven different models, covering the service history of the Abrams, are featured, as is a modelers' guide to the existing kits and accessories in all the popular scales.

"This modeler's delight showcases the M1 and its variations with all sorts of camouflage schemes, from the desert tan of the Gulf Wars to the greens, blacks, and browns of the European theater."

"There are at least seven models with photos which showcase the various camouflaged M1 models and finishes. As a model builder, these visual guides are important tools and provide the basis of much of what I attempt to recreate in my own models."

"Intended as a guide for military vehicle modellers, this highly detailed look at the M1 Abrams tank is as much a history of the vehicle as a modellers' aid."