Guys,
My next build is going the be the Israeli M163 (Verlinden) and I a a few questions. First, I've always wanted to build this kit but never got around to doing it. However, I was able to pick this conversion up at a great deal so I purchased it. The first question is this. It calls for using the very old Tamiya M113 (35040) kit. Don't know if their still available , so I was wondering could I use a more recent offering from Tamiya, such as their M113A2 (35265) desert version? And finally, has anyone built this conversion that had any problems in the construction whether good or bad? Thanks.

Tony

I used the roof section on a better, Academy offering M113 (sorry don't remember which exact version it was). The roof section fit just fine. I used some of the side add-ons as well, but I had the Hobby-Fan kit for the gun turret so I can't really say anything about the Verlinden turret, sorry.

Both Academy and Italeri make/made M163A1 kits that are very nice. The Academy one is based on their very good M113A2 kit. I would venture that either kit is better and probably an easier build than the Verlinden set.




If you must use the Verlinden set, it will fit any of the Tamiya or Academy M113 kits as they are based on the same molds as the original Tamiya kit. I would use the Academy M113A2 kit as a base since it is the most accurate and up to date.

Go with the Academy 163 if you can find it, as the Italeri's turret is undersized. The Academy is a much better kit over all too. Legend makes a very nice Machbet conversion that will work with either kit too.





Erik

Whatever kit you choose, I'm sure it will benefit from some turned metal barrels like those released by Master Model








H.P.

Frenchie mate you got it good with those..i built four ,,yup four of those for The Beast model tank i built..they are awesome when built and look amazing but this is the nasty bit,, i had to drill out all the holes for the barrels to slip thru and then its all good from there .
These take a while to build and make sure as your building them to keep them square so there is no twisting .
Dont let that put you off...on any M163 these will look better than any resin or plastic barrels out there .

Phill

Doesn't Live Resin make a M163 Vulan? (The gun system only)

I know you already have the Verlinden set but it could add a little more detail.

I would say go with the Tamiya M113, though; seeing as that's the go-to. Any kit number should work as well.

Hi Tony, me, moi, myself & I used the 1/32 MASTER AM 32029 M61 A1 Vulcan - Six-barrelled rotary 20mm cannon on my Academy M163A1/2 Vulcan SPAAG 1/35 model #1360.

And it looks mighty fine.

Marc/ubi