Howdy All,

Odd question here, fueled by my shock at finding an M113 variant that I didn't know about before (an entirely possible scenario).
Was looking through one of my new book acquisitions (Concord Publications / Vietnam Armor in Action) when I came across an M113A1 MTBV! That's right, an M113 bridge layer. It carries a 30-foot scissors-type 'porta-bridge' instead of the 60-foot bridges carried by the AVLB's based on the M60A1 tank chassis.
For me, this is a really interesting combination and use for the venerated M113. Has anyone built, or heard of anyone building one of these variants??

Thx in advance.

Tread.

Like I've said before, the M113 is the most prolific and versatile armored vehicle in history Of course I could have favorites :-) . I believe an AVLB version was tested by the 11th ACR in Vietnam, using a shorter, lighter version of the scissor bridge.

Thanks Ranger,

You won't get much of an argument from me on that. Next silly question, does anyone know of a kit conversion out there? Or would it all be scratchbuilt?

Tread.

I have seen a scratchbuilt version many years ago. However, i haven't seen a kit. I'd love to get a set of drawings and add a version to my other engineer kit. you might try this web site for more info on this or any other variant.
http://www.armouredengineer.force9.co.uk/bucket/intro.htm

Many thx Paul, I'll have to peruse the Link. The only view I have is the one side-view illustration (similar to Squadron's). Anyone else out there who might know of other views or pics I would appreciate it. Maybe with a couple of views one could make a set of scratchbuilt blues...

Thanks

Tread.

Actually the bridge portion doesn't look too daunting, just the raise/lower arms might need some mental application...

Tread,

I have not heard of a conversion. It would be pretty straight forward if someone can come up with scale drawings. I'd be in for one.

Jeff

Ranger, having a Drafting/CAD background, I could draw up the blues for the piece. That is kinda why I'm looking for more/additional viewpoints of the M113A1 MTBV.
What would be perfect (oops, I said the 'P' word) would be a direct overhead shot, and a frontal.
From there I could adjust them too scale and generate 'pull' drawings. All that would be left would be cutting the styrene to match the template!

Tread

Maybe I should start my own aftermarket company and manufacture the armour ' variants' I love sooo much?
Now, if only there were 48 hours in a day, and weekends were 4 days instead of 2!!

Tread. #:-)

I found another reference for you. It is in The M113 Series by simon Dunstan published by Osprey. there is a small although clear picture taken from the left rear. I can scan it and e-mail it to you if you would like.

That would be superb Paul, many thx for the efforts. Any and all photos or illustrations would be of help.

I believe my Email is listed in my 'Profile'. Please feel free to use it.

Thx again.

Tread.

I found the same pic by Dunstan But couldn't get to Hunicutt bradley tome. You might want to try The Manufacture direct the May Have apress pack on it. BTW The Israeli's use a couple of pushed bridges, One with a wheel center span. Both are connected to the tow hooks up front and pushed into place. I'd also try some of the model websites especially those with OOp kits listed.

From the Hunnicutt book.



http://www.salt6.addr.com/stuff/Image1.jpg


http://www.salt6.addr.com/stuff/Image2.jpg


http://www.salt6.addr.com/stuff/Image3.jpg

Hi Tread, The Osprey photo is en rte via e-mail.

Tread
I found a couple of pictures in the Sq/Sig M113 book. I'll email them to you.

I have tried United Defense's "M113" e-mail address to try yo get info on this mod and the fire fighter version and it keeps bouncing back. I was hoping to get more photos and drawings.

Ranger,
Do you have much info on the fire fighter version? I have only one pic and am looking for more.

I have seen some varients mounted on other varients from other nations,but I havent seen one on a 113.Iam currently building one from Tamyia but I havent decided if making it a vietnam with the 2 60,s or modern version.But Iam interested in the scissors version mounted on a 113 chassis.FSM magazine a few issues back had one from ww2.This one was a soviet scissors bridge mounted on a KV-1 chassis.very nice model too.If I do come across the 113 version I will let you know.

Many, many thx for the effort GreyHunter. Your input is greatly appreciated since I am taking this scratchbuilding project seriously. Your tenacity in ferreting out this info is a great help to someone who is, for the most part, takng on the subject of the M113 for the first time.
Your reference to 'drooling' would be appropriate if I actually try to interpret your Dutch document! No, no. I insist, you can PLEASE tranlate it for me. If it is in fact a "step by step" build-up article, it would indeed be extremely valuable to me.
I will be in your debt........

Thx again Grey!

Tread.

P.S. As I've already just recently said in a another thread, why are SO many talented modelers in the Netherland's? I've had the pleasure of viewing model shows both on the web and in magazines and have blown away by the talent that is apparently residing in your part of the world.

In another thread I heard there was also a 'stretch' version of the little beasty (M113). Anyone have any info on that!
Also, I have a picture of an M113 with firing ports on the sides.....do you know anything about that one Charles?

Tread.

M113 'Stretch" Version

A few years ago, this was proposed as a follow-on for the original M113-series. The link shows a pic of the add-on armor installed, but it was commonly available without the package. The US engineers were pretty hot on it in the last couple of years, as an upgrade/improvement to the current (rather cramped, and somewhat slow) M113 engineer vehicles. Last I heard, they were looking at a Bradley variant instead.

The version with the firing ports was an interim version that came about around the time the Bradley was being proposed (1970-1975??). There were several different concepts based on the M113, none of which went anywhere. Since then at least one non-US user has added firing ports to the basic vehicle, but these are not official "factory' mods.

Check the first ten or so pages of Osprey-Vanguard #43 (M2 Bradley)(1986) for pictures of several different concepts.

Thank you Captain ARENGCA for both the info,and the great Link! Gee, even had a pic.
Appreciate the input.

Tread.

NOW.....if you could find that kind of quality info on the M113 bridge-layer I would be forever grateful! :-)

I believe there was a version tested in Vietnam with the armored viewing ports and firing ports. There was also a version of M548 tested as a personnel carrier, more like a tracked bus than an armored personnel carrier. I know I have a book with a picture of the personnel M548.. I would have to fine the M113 picture.

The M113 becomes more fantastic everyday

I just received thru ebay auction the Verlinden kit for the Israeli 60mm HVMS gun turret. I have also won the Verlinden XM734 conversion for the M113. I up to about seven or eight M113 variants. Got a long way to go