Small Scale Military Headquarters

I would like to share my latest project with the group on this forum.

I read a post awhile back regarding the use of M113s in Iraq to replace the Humvees in an attempt to save our soldiers lives. But the M113 doesn't offer much in the fire support category. So I thought of fitting a LAV turret to one. I had an itch to scratch build something now that I finished my Sherman project. So I started building a copy of the BBI LAV turret.

I started researching the M113 the next day and came across this web site. http://www.jedsite.info/fulltrack/mike- ... eries.html (For grins, take a look at the "composite hull project". The fiberglass hull could defeat a .50cal round at 50 feet, the aluminum hull could only defeat a .30cal round. Why did they build them out of aluminum then? $?)

They have a picture of an M113A2 with an older LAV turret. http://www.jedsite.info/fulltrack/mike- ... intro.html I figured if this modification were to take place today, the newer turret would be used and I continued with copying the BBI LAV turret.

Here are some work-in-progress photos. http://community.webshots.com/album/276653202RfcAlq

The paint on the M113 is Krylon tan cammo paint. I picked this a up awhile back and have been wanting to try it on something. It isn't yellow enough in my opinion, but makes for a good base coat to cover the OD.

Tanker

Wow, now that looks sharp! I'm impressed with your engineering skills.....

-Ski

From a real world perspective, people are very hesitant to use composites to replace metal. Unless there is incredible cost, weight, and functionality benefits, metal parts stay as metal parts.

Thanks for the compliment Teamski!

Excellent job on that mod mondaytanker!

That looks great! I cant wait to see it done!

I'm using the Krylon tan on the m113 also. I think it's a bit dark but it's cheap!

Excellent modifications - its always cool to give something more fire power! Funny how with the new turret, the vehicle starts to look something like the Bradley...

I'd almost feel sorry for the Iraqi insurgents that would try to mess with that

Thanks for the compliments guys!

I would like to add the turret basket. But I have not had any luck finding photos on the internet. Can anyone help?
I am also thinking of adding slat armor.
I would also like to add decals for units stationed in Iraq. Does anyone have reference photos of unit markings?

Thanks again.
Tanker

mondaytanker,
Wish you lived near me, so you could help me with my Chaffee turret. Great looking custom. Question, Why didn't you just use the bbi LAV turret for your custom? Just wondering. I like the challange of trying to do it myself, so I would go your way to do the same thing. Thanks for sharing.
momaw nadon

I didn't use the BBI turret because I had an itch to scratch build something and I had a 1/18 scale model of one to copy, so no need to research. I really wanted to do the LS-90 turret for a LAV, but I have been unsuccessful on finding enough information and pictures on it. The Chaffee turret is one I have been wanting to do for a few years now. The curves are what have put me off. My recommendation is to cut out the top and bottom to the right shape, then locate the top over the bottom with spacers. Then use .01 styrene sheet to wrap the turret in sections (sides, back, ect..). Scribe the shape onto the sheets and create a template with that. This is what I did for my 1/16 scale T-34 turret. (Only to have Trumpeter release one a year later.) I wish you luck.

Thanks for the kind words.