Hi there...
Just now I'm tinkering with a Tamiya M113A" Desert version. I would like to do a little detailing on this and have some questions:

Weld seams..... are thereany that should be added to the model (e.g. top plate and hul???)

How are the CIP fastened on to the side?

Etc. Etc.

I was hoping to avoid PE and resin stuff and basically do an OOB but some detailing I feel would enhance the model somewhat.

Any tips or reference photos anyone?

Rgds Grenade

you can try this link...



http://www.armouredengineer.force9.co.uk/bucket/index.htm



and, WELCOME to the site

I've got several walk around shots of M113A2 and M113A3s in my motor pool. There is also a side-by-side comparison of an M113A2 and M113A3 that shows the differences in various fittings.

Click the banner below.

Quick question, because I just purchased the same kit:
The M113A2 doesn't have external fuel cells and the M113A3 does? Is that correct? That is the impression I got from your walk around photos Rob. An article at the FAS website says the same thing. If that is the case then what is in the box is really an M113A3?
Thanks in advance for the help.

Shaun

Link the the FAS article follows:

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m113.htm

I'm not Rob, but my answer is based on what he told me when I asked the same question some times ago : the Tamiya kit can be seen as a made-in-japan "hybrid" variant of A2 fitted with A3 external fuel tanks, but it lacks other A3 features (if you want to build one) like the add-on armor plates on the front of the hull (clearly visible on Rob's pics) and other less noticeable ones like the treaded holes for the add-on armor kit on the hull sides....
The A3 interior is also different, but you can keep the hatches closed

Frenchy (sorry for jumping on the band wagon)

US M113A2s do not have external fuel cells, with the exception of the M1068 mortar carrier and M981 FIST-V. Canadian M113A2s do use external fuel cells.

I have not peeked inside the Tamiya box, but from afar it looks like Tamiya gave you some updated bits and pieces to add to their old M113A1 kit to attempt to cosmetically make an M113A3. But, minus the fuel cells it probably is closer to an actual M113A2.

Thanks everyone. Sorry for the threadjack...

Shaun

Why does Tamiya always seem to do a little cheating when releasing upgraded versions of earlier models

Will I be severely punished if i build it with the fuel tanks and call it an A3 Dont tell - dont tell

I believe the major differences between an A2 and A3 (apart from external fuel cells) are internal. A steering yoke instead of tiller bars is an immediate visible difference. Our A3s are painted white and have a lot more internal armour , spall liners and so on. However some countries have gone to a new Deihl double pin stainless steel track, which is different from the earlier Deihl track in that the enf connectors do not have the extensions as did the earlier track and the pads are not alternately offset.