Today I finished assembly stage of building my M113A3 model for Bucket Bonanza campaign. Model is now ready for painting.

I used most parts from Tamiya M113A2 Desert Version kit, but lower hull and partially suspension is from Academy M113A2. I used some parts from Eduard PE set for Tamiya kit and scratchbuilt a lot of details.

Some modifications required to make more accurate M113A3 are hardly visible on these pictures. For example I used Academy hull and suspension as it was easier to modify these parts to proper A2/A3 dimensions, but it is not noticeable unless you compare my model with unmodified one.

Side skirts and CIPs are only temporary attached so they may not be quite straight on photos below. I will use AFV Club's one piece vinyl tracks with this model. I will attach pioneer tools and towing cable later.

There is no interior in this model.







Any comments welcome!

Pawel

That .50 cal rocks!

A beauty as usual Pawel! But I'm surprised that by doing all of that extra work/detail that you're not going to use a Fruil (or equiv) track. (?)

Looking forward to seeing it painted!

Vodnik, what can i say, Only beautiful. Did you make the ramp door hinges? The little holes around the body, are they for some kind of armor add on's and do they normally go through the hall. I'm asking as i don't know. Thanks.

Yeah, I have a set of friuls and considered using them, but then desided to keep them for some skirt-less M113. AFV Club vinyl tracks are also beautiful and should look almost as good as indi link ones.




Yes, I made new hinges. Hinges in A3 variant are much larger than those in older M113s. Small holes on side, front and rear armor plates are indeed mounting points for additional armor package (see picture below). These are threaded holes in which "plugs" are screwed in when the extra armor is not installed. I don't think they go through the hull, but I'm not sure. They are one of new features of A3 variant. You can see them on photos of M113A3 in Sabot's Motorpool gallery: https://armorama.kitmaker.net/modules.php?set_albumName=albup37&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php.



Pawel

Pretty darn nice Pawel - almost a shame to put paint on it. Are you going to put a lot of stowage on it?

Gunnie

That's great. You sure nailed the details. I see you share my opinion of the PE headlight guards.

How about a closeups of those great headlight mounts.

Paul

Some stowage - yes. But not a lot. Just enough to make it look realistic, but I don't want to hide the whole model under stowage.




Oh yes... I believe that very nice PE guards could be manufactured, but Eduard's are completely wrong. And their taillight guards for A3 were even worse - much underscale. I hope Voyager will make a PE set for M113 one day - if they design it properly and use thicker brass for guards (as they usually do in their sets) that could make them very useful. The Eduard's set for Tamiya kit is another one from them which highly disappoints me. Many parts are overscale, other are underscale and others are simply wrong...




OK, I snap a shot of them next time.

Pawel

Once again, great work Pawel,

Your attention to detail and abilities at the model desk either inspire me or make me want to take up scrapbooking with my wife's friends...a true masterpiece in miniature.

I figured out how you do it. You have a shrinking machine and work on these kits in a 1:1 scale, then you resize yourself to normal....no, just kidding...but it's really cool to place your rear door view next to the one in Sabot's motorpool and compare the two images...it's scarry how close they are...

If I didn't know better it looks like 1/16th with the detail you bring out of every build. One thing that I personally would like to see in some of your photos would be the tip of a tool or your hands at work to remiond me of the scale your dealing with. Have to agree with Gunnie on this one, it's a shame to paint over the work you've put into the build.

Looking forward to viewing this build on your website with lots of detailed info on the step by steps. Also, your photographs of your subjects are wonderfully lit, would be interested in your light source and camera setup.Perhaps a photo of your setup if you would take a few steps back from the table.

I remain, your biggest fan in Alabama, USA,

kglack

I know this post is pretty much oohing and ahhhing over this build and should point out something that could be done in a better way...but whom amoung us could throw the first stone? I mean geeze...it's a great build..

Thats a Super Duper bucket Pawel . I just love all that clean and neat work u do . Like a surger !! BRAVO

excellent work my friend.it is always the biggest pleasure to see the detailing of your models... and such detailing always needs extra knowledge on vehicle.. hatts off

How did you hollow the ligths? Where did you get a good photo of the ligths (the point at where they join the main body)?

Welcome to Armorama!

I hollowed the lights with 2 mm drill bit and later used a dental burr in my motor tool. I will be using MV lenses in headlights.

For good photos of M113A3 details, visit Major Rob's (Sabot) Motor Pool gallery, here on Armorama: https://armorama.kitmaker.net/modules.php?set_albumName=albus03&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php.

Pawel

They also are for floatation kits that are fitted on the M163.

Very nice. What context will it be in, ie timeframe and unit?