Just enlisted, subject TBD, but I have a large selection in the stash. I'll take a gander today, see what calls out to me, but a Magach3 is on the mental list.

Ribbon #3 for President!

Tamas

Decided on my Build - Takom AMX 13/75


My son is getting me a DEF Barrel for it, plus some other kit related paraphernalia for other kits for Christmas.

Only a couple of weeks to go til kick off...

The Takom kit has some inaccuracies and cannot be built as an IDF vehicle without some changes, as the Israelis used 1st production batch vehicles with 2A chassis. The most prominent issue is the headlights - I have yet to find a photo of an IDF AMX-13 with the double headlight/brush guard arrangement. They all carried the earlier single headlight/brushguard on each side. Most, if not all, also had the early bolted roadwheels as well. By the 1967 conflict, they all had the raised turret plate/ring.

I highly recommend getting either the Accurate Armour or Azimut update sets as these correct all the issues.

Thanks for the info John.

I'm not a fan of either company, having had issues with sets in the past. The mods are not difficult to scratch build - except the wheels. I had thought Panzer Art did a set of bolted ones, but they are welded and converting the kit ones would be a big job... back to deliberation

I believe not all Israeli M13/75 had the spacers and armoured cover on the rear. There is a pic of one knocked out on the Golan Heights that proves the point. I guess they would have tested them first, then decided on the improvements later.

This one at Latrun Museum also lacks both features, but has the bolted wheels and single Headlights



This also looks like a vehicle lacking both:

I have the IDF set from AA and the Suez'56 set from Azimut - the wheels and headlights/guards are fine in both, although the casting from AA is better, as would be expected. Can't comment on the lackluster customer service that people have gotten from Azimut as the few orders I've placed I've always received, but no issues at all with AA.

As for the photos, since the first is a museum piece we don't know what was done to it - and if I remember right (I'd have to go back and look through references) it was one of the first vehicles received and never updated.

I think the second vehicle does have the turret ring riser based on the height of the turret above the stowage boxes. The low angle of the picture makes it difficult to be sure, but from this angle the turret ring shouldn't be as prominent unless it had the spacer. The low angle also makes it impossible to confirm if it has the armored engine covers - these would not be perceptible from this angle

Just me two sense. Modelling is all about enjoying it and if an OOB build is perfect for you then go for it!

Yes, your right John, museum vehicles are a minefield of inaccuracy, but would they would go to the trouble of removing the turret then the spacer, then putting the turret back on. And yes, it is all about enjoying the hobby, although, I'm not usually an OOB builder




The hard thing is there really are so few photos of the AMX 13/75 in Israeli service, and not that much info.

I was planning on doing the mods until I actually looked at the wheels and realised how much work would be needed, in such a confined area, to get the smooth finish.

As to the pic, the covers are really prominent but yeah, could go other wise.



Great having someone to bounce this off... thanks

Did we decide on a ribbon? I still like #3 best of Pete's designs.

Michael

Here's my startup picture:



The kit has vinyl tires and tracks, for which I had bought replacements and apparently PE side skirts as well.

Would it still be possible to join this campaign? I have missed the boat in terms of dates but it would be my fist campaign.

Max

Sure, Max. It just started.

Enlist Here!

Welcome!