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M113 TUA Conversion Set

Legend conversion parts

The conversion set includes all the main components for the hull and turret to build a Canadian M113A2 TUA. The upper hull is provided in full resin. The casting blocks on the hull rear and sides will have to be cut off in order for the piece to fit into the donor hull. The upper hull modifications are obvious with the reinforcing ribs criss-crossing on the hull top. The driver's and commander's hatches as well as the turret hole have a fine skin of resin that can easily be removed. Seen at the upper hull rear are the large locating holes for the missile loading hatch as well as the top mounted stowage bins.

The hull parts consist of the following:

1. Missile loading hatch
2. 3 x hull top stowage bins
3. Commander's cupola and hatch
4. Driver's hatch
5. Mirrors
6. Headlight, taillights, signal lights, blackout marker, and horn
7. 20 Litre POL and water cans
8. Spare road wheel
9. Grouser racks
10. 2 x antenna mounts
11. Extended exhaust components
12. TCCCS box (Tactical Command and Control Communications System)
13. GPS antenna
14. External fire extinguisher cover
15. Trim vane and missile loader's hatch hinges

The armoured turret parts consist of the following:

1. Armoured turret
2. 2 x TOW missile launchers
3. Turret hatch
4. 7 x Multi-Barrel Grenade Dischargers (only 6 are used)
5. C6 GPMG
6. C6 Mount
7. 7.62 mm ammunition tray and box
8. 7.62 mm ammunition belt
9. 3 x TOW missile ends (only 2 are used)
10. Commander CCTAS (Crew Commander's Target Acquisition System)

Also included are a very good supply of three different sizes of resin bolts. Pay attention to the instructions as to where they are used.

A jam packed PE fret is included. These parts will detail both the resin parts as well as the donor kit hull. Ranging from tie downs to the intricate extended exhaust to the wire cutters the PE parts will make this conversion pop and add a significant level of detail. Two different diameters of brass wire are included for the mirror arms and the turret lifting eyes.

The instructions are provided in colour on a two sided sheet. You really need to study the parts and where they go. Don't expect a fall together Tamiya kit. You will need to plan the build from start to finish meshing the resin and PE parts with the donor kit parts. The instructions also indicate minor modifications required to the donor kit lower hull in order to properly fit the resin upper hull.

I can't reiterate enough the quality and detail included in the resin castings. The disadvantage of the high quality resin parts is that there are significant casting blocks to be removed from the parts. Planning, patience, and careful cutting and sanding will pay off in order to get the parts into a useable state.