One thing that is wrong in the box art is suspension - it shows the A2 version geometry (the upper run of track goes upward from 4th road wheel to the idler, over the fifth wheel). I hope the kit will have correct M113/M113A1 suspension (track should rest on the fifth wheel and go practically horizontally to the idler).

The A2 had increased ground clearance and idler was mounted higher, what introduced about 3 inch difference between the level of road wheel top and idler wheel top. In M113/M113A1 the tops of idler and road wheels were at almost the same level.

We need to see the plastic. Hopefully it is just the box art artist mistake.

Now both spindles are mounted in the exact same rosan inserts in the hull. However, with the A2 version, the plate that extends out from the rear of the hull for the other four bolts differs on the A2 version. The arm for the idler (A2) seems to be 180 degrees in the other direction as compared with the M113/A1? Hence the higher idler on A2's etc. Can you confirm this?

And all I am saying is don't judge a book by its cover.

Cover art is to sell something, not a true representation of the contents.

The track idler arm assemblies used will need modified mounting provisions. When
changing the idler arm assembly the spindle must also be changed. The mounting bolt
holes will align with the rosan inserts in the hull if using the updated suspension system
or if using the old parts depending on the vehicle being repaired. The six mounting bolts
will hold the assembly without major problems.
The opposite side idler arm assembly can be used but only the bottom bolt holes
will align. For last resort use only should an idler be used with only two bolts holding
the spindle assembly.

The track idler arm assemblies used will need modified mounting provisions. When
changing the idler arm assembly the spindle must also be changed. The mounting bolt
holes will align with the rosan inserts in the hull if using the updated suspension system
or if using the old parts depending on the vehicle being repaired. The six mounting bolts
will hold the assembly without major problems.
The opposite side idler arm assembly can be used but only the bottom bolt holes
will align. For last resort use only should an idler be used with only two bolts holding
the spindle assembly.

Didn't even occur to me that the hull would be cut and a new plate added. Thanks mate.

Time to check on how the M113AS4 is mounted.

Quoted Text

---

The track idler arm assemblies used will need modified mounting provisions. When
changing the idler arm assembly the spindle must also be changed. The mounting bolt
holes will align with the rosan inserts in the hull if using the updated suspension system
or if using the old parts depending on the vehicle being repaired. The six mounting bolts
will hold the assembly without major problems.
The opposite side idler arm assembly can be used but only the bottom bolt holes
will align. For last resort use only should an idler be used with only two bolts holding
the spindle assembly.

---

Yes, that's the fragment that is not entirely clear to me. I'm not entirely convinced that this (A1 Idler assembly - note that the lowest bolt hole is hidden by the cloths):



...can fit to holes in this (A2 rosan inserts):



It seems that upper holes in A1 spindle mounting are closer to each other than the rosan inserts in the A2 hull. But maybe it just looks like in in the photo.

I don't have such a clear photo of the A1 insert, but I know that bolt holes in it were lower, closer to the bottom edge of the hull.

Obviously, I'm not a rivet counter, and never will be one.. but It's always good, and actually fun, to learn some stuff about the vehicles we build models of

Hisham