Hi,
I just received some beautiful Mike Del Vecchio Nasa M113 decals. Should make a very interesting project, but I was wondering what might be a good starting point as far as M113s go. I have an extra Academy M113A2 that I may use. More importantly, what color can be used for the exterior? I see that the interior is mainly standard M113 with some OD hatches, but the outside is up for grabs.
Thanks,
Mike

The few pictures I have seen of the vehicle show it both white and yellow. I think the original colour was white and then changed to the hi viz yellow, similiar to airport fire fighting vehicles.

Thanks for the reply, I probably should have been more clear, I am referring to the high viz yellowish color. I've seen some of the pictures as well and just can't guess at what modeling colors to use for the yellow. Kinda looks like what is used on some fire engines.
Mike

I'm sure Mike Del Vecchio will see this. I think he did one, only it seems that it was more of a subdued yellow. You could ask him which color he used and what his references were.

this sounds interesting, didn't know anyone did NASA decals for one.

Been thinking of doing one myself for a while as i'm into armoured fire-trucks -- Nasa, USAF (Vietnam) & Danish range-vehicle M-113s -- and West-German Marders, Leopards & Buffels in red.

I have a pic of the early NASA M-113s that mostly seem to be white with one in silver (very shiny) and another with the grappeling arms & ablative coating in white -- call-numbers seem to be red.

Certainly colourful

Here is Mike's build log of it from '08. The pic links are broken, but the color info is still be there.

"I mixed a custom blend of 80% Tamiya Flat White, 15% Green Yellow and 5% Cockpit Green for the main body color."

NASA M113 build

Thanks a lot for the link, I did find that build info before, but for some reason, the line stating the color mixture was missing. That info is perfect and will give me a starting point.
Mike

Hiya, Mike,

Here is a picture of two of the NASA M113s taken on a bus tour of Kennedy in April of this year. Hope it helps --- wish I could have gotten closer! I've always wanted to model one of these tracks as well! Shame they dumped the bucket, ACAV shields and the armament!




Hope this helps!

Regards and Aloha,

Johnny B.

Thanks for the pics, it all helps.
Mike

Here's one on sale for a hefty sum!

http://www.defencemodels.com.au/ForSale.html#NASA

Hisham

Just a few more Hi-res pics :

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/561387main_m113_full.jpg

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/532361main_2011-03-30-2_full.jpg

http://images.ksc.nasa.gov/photos/2000/high/KSC-00PP-1135.jpg

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/531881main_M113launchpad.jpg

http://esamultimedia.esa.int/images/astrolab/SCO1778.jpg

Maybe it's just me, but the hi-viz yellow appears to be quite faded...

Frenchy

yes, I don't think it is fire-engine yellow but a paler shade -- note that the red paint of the call-number is quite fresh looking (unless it's a sticker). If you colour-correct the photo for the yellow, all the other colours (incl. skin-tones) are off.

I believe the fire-crews of these vehicles were mostly ex-USAF with some ex-Army aviation (missile) guys, guess the drivers / mechanics were straight Army.

OK.....first beat me with a stick....I have been on the road and off the net for a few days.

I see my brother Gino gave you the link to my build log. Some fo the other guys, especially Frenchy, also gave you some links to some good shots of the NASA rescue vehicle.

A good kit is any original M113. I used the Italeri kit but you could also use Tamiya.

If you have any further questions you can either PM me or reach me through my web site

Here is my M113 on my site

http://www.redleg2scale.com/model%20gallery/M113.html

Thanks guys for jumping in while I was out of pocket.

Here to answer any questions

Rounds Complete!!

Hey thanks a lot for the info. It will go a long way towards completing mine. Yours looks great by the way.
Thanks again,
Mike

PS, the link in your message goes to your Ontos, not the M113, at least that's what the pictures are.

Hummm....seems to be working fine here.....if not go the the gallery page and choose the NASA M113

http://www.redleg2scale.com/Gallery.html

Here if you have questions

Rounds Complete!!