Hi everybody - I am fairly new to modelling. I decided to make a Vietnam diorama including a M113 and Sheridan using the Academy kits and some aftermarket add-ons.

I have tried to upload images and then placed these links - not sure if this is successful?

I would like the M113 to be pretty battered and well used. I am intending for the M113 to have engine problems and have the bay open. I have tried to emulate the various bits internally, but have used quite a bit of guesswork.

Please let me have some feedback.
[img]http://gallery.kitmaker.net/data/500/DSC_0238a.JPG
[img] http://gallery.kitmaker.net/data/500/DSC_0241a.JPG
[img]http://gallery.kitmaker.net/data/500/DSC_0235a.JPG
[img]http://gallery.kitmaker.net/data/500/DSC_0236a.JPG

I think you forgot to close the

One link works though and from what I can see the interior certainly looks good and used.

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

Nick,
Having now seen the photos I have to say I really like your well used look and extra detailing. I will keep an eye on your build to see how it progresses.
David

hi david ,
must say thats a very nice and busy looking pack , i like the well used inerior as well ,,, keep it up i will be following this one ...

Hi David

Thanks for sorting that out. I knew I did something wrong, but was hoping someone would help.

Cheers
Nick

Lookin' good, Nick
I'll be watchin' your build closely 'cause I'm about to begin a diorama featuring Academy's ACAV and I may use your project as guidance, if you don't mind, so please keep postin' updates.
Randy

Hmmm. I think I see your nose growing...

Excellent job so far!

Yeah, right. The M551 turret next to the super detailing of the M113 wiring system looks like a novice did it.....great workmanship.
DJ

assuming the M113 will be buttoned up once it's done, so it probably dosn't matter. But there is only one half shaft comming out of the differental. There should be two. And being as the track has the 361 Chrysler engine it will be a very early one. The interior color is OK for an early one, but keep in mind most all the ones in Vietnam had the light green color known as "sea foam green". Wiring harnesses were usually black in color on the outside, with the individual wires color coded
gary

Hi Nick,
Now that is a beautiful paint job. Are you sure you're fairly new to modelling, Pinocchio? I'll be watching this one closely, too, as I will be building an ACAV in the not too distant future.
Keep up the good work & try to post some photos of your progress from time to time.
Joe.

Hi Randy

I am going to make a diorama too with the Sheridan - part of it in the one pic. I am busy with a few figures and will post them as they are currently. Grew up when Vietnam was happening and it always intrigued me. My idea is to have the M113 being worked on with the Sheridan around and some locals as well.

Cheers
Nick

Hi Gary

Thanks for your note. I didn't have any reference for the engine bay and Frenchy helped me out a little. It is fairly difficult working out a proper arrangement from pics, so I just added bits and pieces too to make it look more like a proper engine. There will be the other shaft - the engine is still loose and I am still working on the bay a bit. I had to guess the interior colour from photos - so tinted my own own mix, which I hoped was OK ish to give the effect. Only to pleased to get advice from anybody and thanks.

Nick

Hi Joe

I really wanted to do some modelling for a long time and my son is now old enough so that I can at least pretend that it is the reason I want to do it. I joined this site and started looking at the whole modelling thing at the end of 2008 and been building since. Don't really have enough time and usually can only start late at night for a couple of hours. I have only built two other pieces of armour (a Panzerspahwagen and a Chieftain), one plane, one bi-plane and a B-17 diorama. I like the diorama idea, but it does take time and I enjoy researching the subject.

I do like the idea of well worn armour and Vietnam equipment does lend itself to that. I have been away a couple of weeks, but will post images of the figures I have been putting together as a part of the diorama.

Nick

Hi Nick,
I cant wait to see your figures because I loved the previous photos you posted. I'm looking forward to following this one a lot.
Good luck.
Joe.

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.

Hi Nick,
Unfortunately, I can only see one picture but I absolutely love what I see. You really have a talent there.
Keep up the good work.
Joe.

Good work there so far, Nick. Where in SA are you? Reason I'm asking is that I notice you use a lot of hard to come by stuff. Vallejo paint, some printables and some Verlinden stuff.

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

Hi Joe

Thanks very much - I have seen amazing things on this site and was very nervous to post anything, but I know that the only way to improve is to work with others and get feedback. I have managed to (I think) get most of the images loaded now - of the figures. I am doing about eleven of them.

Nick

I have added a few progress pics.

I have put together some boxes for supplies and am also going to place ammo crates/boxes and other peripherals in the back.

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.

I wouldn't worry too much about the white interior. I have rode in white ones as well as green ones that were deisel powered. Your expertise is amazing!
gary