After wishing to build this model for years, I finally acquired my Academy model #1289 "M113A1 A.P.C. Vietnam". I have seen so many people build this model, but never realized how much stuff this kit contained until I opened it up :-) I actually got two questions about this though. How accurate is the kit as far as what the instructions say to paint it and as far as the sculpting and actual physical detail on the kit? I'm guessing it's pretty accurate since I've seen so many people use it as opposed to the Tamiya M113 kit. This is my first Academy kit BTW, being a n00b. Any reference link help would be greatly appreciated too.

Just a suggestion, but I have been using the review pages from the Perth Modelling society which are pretty extensive.. Maybe you'll get some ponters there? Jim

its an excelant kit...you get a hellof a lot more in it than tamiya..and the revell of same..its variations are endless...i have 13 right now waiting to be built and 4 on the bench..to make it an exceptional model try to locate some afv club tracks for it...instead of the rubberband ones..theres countless aftermarket kits for it also..from just grills by eduards to full interior..to bothint and ext..i also have the verlinden fitter ,,tow ..fist..and 163 conversions...and....a few other conversins to change over to the m727 tracked launcher for the hawk missile and the 688 lance missile.....and just picked up a couple a dozer blades for hem and a bridge layer conversion at a recent show i attended..so have fun..

Maple Leaf Models makes a really nice interior detailset for the M113. It includes a ramp winch pulley that no one else seems to make. He also has an accurate internal fuel tank. the one in the kit is abit too long.

The only criticism I would make is about the Cadillac Gage T50 turret included in the kit for the australian version. The overall shape is wrong So you'll have to turn to aftermarket resin parts if you want to build this version (several manufacturers have issued resin T 50 turrets, along with other aussie specific modifications like the hatch-mounted ventilator which is missing in the Academy kit)

Frenchy

I agree this is a great kit, but darkstar, did I understand you right; is there a bridgelayer conversion set available? I've been thinking to build a m113 bridgelayer for a long time, considered scratchbuilding but a conversion-set would be great. So please, who does this m113 bridge???


thanks in advance
Mark

nope i ment version...no conversion kit for the bridge layer..have to scratch build it..as far as i know..but would be an awsome model when done...just like the 688 lance loader...and the 727 hawk launcher...ray

What about the paint instructions? Are they accurate?

How are the figures that come with this kit ? The kit is perfect diorama material !

TIA,:)

Garry

I spent two weeks searching for any photo of this vehicles and found nothing. Check this forum - two or three weeks ago Animal found photo of similar M113 with snoopy but it's not exactly the same. I' m not sure if all markings are accurate





Figures are not bad but faces are very bad. I will change heads to resin ones. Also tank helmets looks strange to me.

Piotr

The one glaring inaccuracy that I saw as a former Mech Soldier and having riden on many M113A1s, is the fact that the radio setup in the model is for a M125A1 or M106A1(Mortar carriers.) The radio setup in the plain vanilla version is different. The kit has the battery box under the radio, but in fact it should be on the right rear of the crew compartment. BTW, the kit also has a second battery box in the proper location.

The overall kit is excellent and as others have said, a good platform for many conversions. As with any kit, the detail and accuracy are up to the individual modeller. You can build it out of the box and have a good model, or you can extra detail it to your hearts content.

Enjoy your model. I have used it several times as a basis for conversions.

Dave

That and there is NO basket -hanging, rotating floor support for the turret crew and mounting point for ammo and brass catchers- hanging down into the hull under the turret, so if you planned on using that turret, you cannot really show the model with the rear ramp open.


Eduard does several etch sets for the Viet Nam version and include the ramp pulley, lower left corner when facing the track from the rear.

I have seen very few 113 models where the modeler has included this part.

Also there should be bilge pump outlet tubes, one on the right rear wall, in behind the battery box. It should terminate at the curved pipe on the right rear upper deck.
A second bilge outlet pipe runs across the front hull in front of the driver.

Have fun, it's a sweet kit.
Drop me a PM if you have more quesions.
Mike

As we already revived this old thread, I have a question: Does Academy M113 Fitter kit include options to built it as Aussie variant? Are Australian specific parts included in it, like hatch ventilator and ballast blocks?

Pawel

There were no "optional" parts in the Fitter kit.

I am in the process of doing a Canadian M113 using the academy kit, it has its fit problems and sink marks galore. I used the original Eduard M113 set and it was made for the tamiya version. It had lots of good parts but it missed out on things like the trim vane actuator, ramp cable pully and details for the rear ramp. I understand that these are included in the newer set. I find the mesh covers for the engine intakes to be a needed addition but mine were from the earlier M113 kit from eduard that was for the tamiya kit and they didn't fit that well. As well the headlight assembly from the Eduard kit doesn't capture the look of the real thing that well. Lots of work to be done on the inside as comms gear isn't well represented. And I rebuilt the engine bulkheads as I found the engine access hatches and securing clips didn't have enough detail in the kit. I bought the interior from maple leaf models after I had about 95% of mine done (and only used the battery box, heater and ramp pully) and I think it is a must as it really captures things like the battery box, a nice radio, rack and other stuff, the ramp pully and the heater( Not applicable to you) are really well done. Good luck with your build. Mine has been a long process that is about 60% done. And I hope to get it finished by the fall.

looks to be a great kit, and i also will be getting the same one.
the interior painting , as i recall in the service, was an almost light turquoise color, to help interior lighting, but not glaring to aid night blindness.

i use google/images search to get ideas for paint scheme, and the decals that come with, well i don't know about them, but in an previous discussion in here about the 113, we did decide that in this particular model, the 11th cav decals were accurate.

lots of fun and luck to you

reb

I agree with everyone here on this kit. Even though I added lots of aftermarket stuff like Fruil Metal Tracks, Verlindens Vietnam Accessory Set, and Legends Acceessory set, The kit could be built staright out of the box. The potential for this kit is endless.
Here are some shots of my finish kit:

http://www.mooremilitaria.com/misc__photos.htm

has some great interior shots of the m113

reb

I gotta say Wow! That's an awesome build Mark ! Adding that 106mm Recoiless rifle realy adds interest. Now that I see that, it brings back memories. I do remember seeing one like that, just vaguely! You have put a lot of work and detail into this kit. Well done!

Garry

Some more about the Academy M113A1 Vietnam.

It's based on Academy's M113A2, which is set for a 1980s era (roughly) vehicle, so some of the features aren't right for a Vietnam 'A1. Among them are the radio (as already mentioned) and the engine compartment.

More in-period radios can be sourced from the Tamiya M151, and the engine compartment will just have to stay closed as that part of the 'A2 is totally different.

A more minor detail is that the 'A1 only has a damper behind the first road wheel, while the 'A2 has them behind the first two. But that's easily solved.

Otherwise the M113 is very nice and well worth building.

P.S. A good match for the interior pale green is RAF WW2 'Sky' (which is green, honest).

Hope some of this helps.

Hi Guys

I have just joined the group. I am the sales manager for a company called Moredun Models, based in East Lothian, Scotland.

We have the Academy M113A1 Vietnam kit in stock and Iam currently building a couple of them to use as display models for the Legend Productions range of accessory sets we carry, I thought you might be interested in what legend have produced so far.

LF1011 M113 Accessory Set. @ £12.99.
Includes a sandbagged floor.
LF1076 M113 Vietnam Stowage set @ £ 10.99

Both of these sets are mainly stowage sets with shed loads of items, you can find useful to stow your track with. Including in LF1076 Boots, Smoke Grenades, Ammo Belts, Ammo Box's, Kit Bags and tarps.

Also available but from Model Point is 3580 105mm Barrel for M151A1, this a replacement barrel that may be suitable for the recoiless rifle. @ £ 6.99.

As for the Aussie versions Mouse house have produced the following items.

MA301 M113 APC Fuel Tank (2) @ £2.75

MA302 Aussie Pattern Jerry Cans (10) @ £4.25

MA303 Aussi Pattern Plastic Jerry Cans in Vehicle mounts. (10) @ £4.99

From Armour Bits
35002 Australian Army M113A1 ( Vietnam ERA) @ £9.60 (Incls T50 Turret).
35003 Water Cans (Aust. Type) @ £4.30

From Aussie Armour
352 M113 ARVL @ £21.99
353 M113 LRV Conversion @ £ 5.99
354 Radio Installation @ £3.70

Aussie Decals
A35001 M113 APC @ £6.99

Some of the above items are for post Vietnam era.

We also have some of the books listed by Mouse House available. These deal mainly with Anzac units both during and post WWII, including Vietnam.

I hope this is of interest to the members if any one wants more info just drop me an e mail to

[email protected]

Cheers

Ian Hanratty