Hopefully I get the photos right this time.

I have started some figures (a mix of Legend, Dragon, Academy and Verlinden bits and bobs). Still trying to get used to painting little figures (using Vallejo acrylics). I need to learn to blend a little better too. I have tried to vary the colours of the uniforms and they really are just a mix by eye. Struggling quite a bit with the faces.

I have also worked a little more on the interior of the M113.

Appreciate your comments.

Here are some more progress pics of the interior.

I am going to close it up and would like some comments before I do. Any suggestions/improvements will be welcome.

I have tried to age the various bits and pieces in different degrees. I didn't want to bash all the packaging boxes up too much, just a couple of scuffs and stains here and there. I also didn't want to obscure everything, so tried to place it informally, but also make allowances for actual conditions?

Hi Nick,
I have to say that is an amazing paint job there, my boy. And I love all the wiring you've done inside. 10 out of 10!!
The stash is great also but just a couple of things mate.
Usually, M113's would have a layer of sand bags or ammo cans layed across the deck to help defend against mine blast but if you did that you wouldn't be able to see that superb paint job, I suppose.
Also, that green "metal" rectangular box with the rounded ends at the back of the model is from the Verlinden set, right? Well, it is supposed to represent a Mermite can which is a hot/cold food container. The troops often filled these up with ice &/or put drinks cans (cokes/buds) inside to keep them cold. Well, the Verlinden effort is inaccurate, I'm afraid. The one you have behind it up against the left wall with the strap placed vertically around it is way better & highly accurate (plus model version?). I have a couple of these Mermite cans (the real thing) here at home & will send you some photos if you like-let me know. The outer skin was made of aluminium & painted OD & the paint easily chipped so you would see lots of aluminium under the paint-especially round the edges!
I hope all this helps, buddy. Brilliant work so far. I cant wait to see the next lot of photos!
Good luck.
Joe.

Hi Gary,
I didn't even know any of the mermite cans used straps. The two I have here have a couple of latches. I wonder if the one in the photo above has a retaining strap, mabye?
Joe.

Hi Gino

You are 100% correct. I know in some forces with reserve units, the guys may be slightly bushy (not Vietnam). I just liked this head from Verlinden - bandana, beard, sunglasses (maybe I should alter him into a press photographer?) Add a camera (I'd have to make it), film cannisters and remove the grenades - what you think?

Hi Hendrik

I do get a lot of things via the internet using various suppliers - I also have family in the UK who bring things for me, when visiting, if I ask nicely. I find that using Hobby Easy or Lucky Model is pretty good because they can also pack things to reduce the duties here. Some items are also shipped free - their specials can also be attractive. Even paying duties and VAT is preferable to some of the prices charged locally although I do like to support them.

Nick

Dear Joe and Gary

Thanks so much for both your replies. I like to get some feedback from those who know.

Joe

%$@ Verlinden - I just presumed (never presume) everything they did was accurate! Oh well...the other ones are from Legend
I did think of the sand bags (which were also used in this part of the world during our problems - even in civilian vehicles), but as you say, I was also trying to prevent hiding all the internal detail. A lot of M113's were loaded completely.
I thought the one can with the strap would be OK, to sort of indicate it tied back to one of the loading points.

Gary

I have still to do quite a bit of work on the figures and lots of little pieces are still missing (eg belt ammo). I hadn't really started on the boots yet. I know from being in the military here how varied uniforms, etc can become after time - especially with combat troops exposed to long periods in the field. Also there are always clowns and we had guys who would wear bits of captured/liberated uniforms - everybody also tried to personalise their own equipment. I don't make my own figures so rely on the castings of others, but did mix and match to try and give them a little uniqueness.
I did think about the ammo situation in the M113 and how to get to it quickly, but I used some licence because the boxes of provisions look more colourful. Not the way troops would load their vehicle, I know. Maybe I'll add a couple more cans.

Once again thanks for your valued input.

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Hi Gino

You are 100% correct. I know in some forces with reserve units, the guys may be slightly bushy (not Vietnam). I just liked this head from Verlinden - bandana, beard, sunglasses (maybe I should alter him into a press photographer?) Add a camera (I'd have to make it), film cannisters and remove the grenades - what you think?

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I think he would fit in perfect as a civilian photographer. Good idea.

Nick
You need to put [/img] at the end of the links and they should work then. I have taken the liberty of doing your's for you.
David

On a different note - the Sheridan I am building used 105mm ammo for the main gun. Is that the same as 105mm howitzer ammo?

Hi Gino

I like the nutter from Apocolypse Now - great idea! This, to me, is theatre anyway. I am not trying to make an exact replica of a specific moment in time, merely a fairly accurate and sympathetic rendition of the situation. I would like to do an M48 tank in the Hue battles too at some point.

As far as I know, the claustrophobic conditions inside an M113 meant that everybody preferred sitting on top too (Israelis as well). I know from experience in this part of the world that RPG's can cause huge personel trauma inside a soft skin AFV, although the mine resistance of Ratels and Buffels is pretty good. Some of the drivers in Vietnam rigged up contraptions to control M113's from the outside on top of their hatch?????Saw a pic, not sure of the legitimacy though....

I have already put a case of 7.62 cans (.30 calibre?), a case of 5.56 cans, a further 10 loose 5.56 cans, two loose 7.62 cans, a case of .45 hand gun ammo and two grenade cases inside. I will add a few other loose cans that are more visible. There will also be liberable ammo available on the top once I get there - including belts, blooper rounds and more loose cans. Some pics I have seen show an incredible amount of 'stuff' packed onto and in these vehicles.

On a different note - the Sheridan I am building used 105mm ammo for the main gun. Is that the same as 105mm howitzer ammo? I have a Verlinden set for this and was going to use elements.

Thanks for the help - and to all the others who are asisting me, I value everybody's opinion very highly!