Hi guys,

Here is somes new pics of my recent project. This times, I chose to build 2xM113 Australian version in Vietnam. So I used Academy Fitter and Tamiya FSV kits. I also used 2 Friulmodel tracks , 1 Eduard photo-etch set and accessories from the Verlinden and Tamiya.

After somes research on walk-around photos, I decided to add the command cables for the Fitter crane, designed a Australian look for the gunshield because i think it did not look like any Us or Vietnamese version.


FSV almost done and Fitter prepared for painting:



I used Academy decal for Fitter after several coat of Future and sanding:



I added somes Verlinden accessories for the FSV:




When all of this get done, I replaced the old decal on FSV by a new one because of somes air bubbles inside










I still have to build a small diorama for them, hope that you will like those firstly before getting something better with my diorama. See you soon!!!!!

Very nice, interesting subject too! Keep up the good work

Very nice subtle weathering. I guess it won;t be an engine change dio since you have the stowage on the front, but that would be pretty cool.
I won't comment on the lights - I'm sure it'll come up.

You need to look at the Markings, the Fitters has markings for a standard LRV/APC and the FSV has a RAEME (C Sqn Fitters) callsign. Also the Cargo hatch lid should have the Aussie Filter Box on it along wit the external racks and the ballast plates on the upper rear right hull
Cheers
Al

One of the more distinctive features of the FSV which is lacking in the Tamiya kit is the folding "flap" extension on the trim vane. You'd also need to extend the trim vane about 4 scale inches to bring it to M113A1 standards first.

Other notable features of Aussie Buckets are the under-sponson armour (which would be visible as you have modelled them without the skirts) and racks for the jerry cans.

The FSV kit also lacks the external fire extinguisher box aft of the driver's hatch (which can be seen on the Academy Fitter) and the forward lifting rings on the turret.

Excluding the detail items the paint and dirt looks good.

Paul

Hi Ha PHAM , these are more fantastic builds , your painting and weathering are really good .
I have the fitters vehicle in my to build stash so I will be saving your photos for reference .
keep up the good work .

Thank all you guys for the lack of infomation, it's very useful for me. In fact i'm not a good scratch-builder (it's impossible to get an aftermarket product here especially Australian version, even i know there is "Firestorm" who release those kits) and my knowledge about Australian vehicles is so limited...All i can do is searching some photos in this link here and try to make some simple detail. It contains almost every version of M113 in Vietnam, from Us Army, RAAC to ARVN:

http://picasaweb.google.pl/zippo132

@Brian: Hope that I can admire yours M113s soon!!!

http://picasaweb.google.pl/zippo132

..sorry i just corrected your link so it works, well done again Pham!

Hi Ha PHAN !
Models very , very good but insignia - science fiction.

Yup, the ever-common US pre-NATO style tail light issue. It is a commonly seen mistake.

Only the upper left oval should be red. The others should have black slits. They are part of the blackout drive/marker light system. It should look the same as the M113 below.

hey Pham! great job! well done!

Hi Ha PHAM , I just had a thought that if you need reference material for your very nice builds there is no better place to ask than here .
There is so much combined knowledge on this site that will help with making sure that you will have the correct decals and any details to build most machines that were in country during this time .
I look forward to seeing more of your work .
You will have some wait before I build my M113's as I have too many other projects on the go .
Take care , Brian

Gino, its not always a mistake with Aussie 113. We had a lot of vehicles that used the Red Stop light assy on both sides. There was a period where regardless of which NSN you ordered under you got the same item. We converted (most were already done) all of B Sqn 2 CAV in the late 80's to satisfy local government regulations and we also trialled truck type light assemblies with turn indicators. These were adopted in the Mid 90's Supplementing the Blackout assemblies.

Al
Having said that for Vietnam it is more likely to conform to the Manufactured configuration.