M113 Observations

Gunner · Post by **Gunner** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 5:08 pm

Finally broke down and bid on a couple on E-Bay. They both came in today.

I'm VERY impressed.

One interesting thing was that on both of mine, most of the duffle bags, etc. weren't even glued on, except for the stuff on the left side, on both vehicles.

Now, I need to find my Build-a-Rama stuff to hang on 'em to cover the holes until I can put putty to them.

Hollywoodkbl · Post by **Hollywoodkbl** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 6:06 pm

This actually is one of their nicer vehicles in my opinion. My customization is coming along nicely. I want to convert mine to an ACAV model, but have no idea how to do the commanders hatch. I've scratch built the fenders for the rear, and they look pretty good. I'm working on building up the drivers seat area now....I really like the Vietnam looking version of this APC versus the modern one.

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:49 pm

I agree that it is also one of their nicer vehicles. It has the full interior and engine in the spirit of the Tiger and M-41 - something the new Panzer IV doesn't have! I have the tan version and like it alot as my BBI Desert ops troops go with it perfectly.

Thus far, I've kept the rather cruddy 21c baggage on the vehicle, but I've gotten tired of that. It was a good concept on the part of 21c to make the vehicle look so loaded down, but as evidenced with the stowage on their earlier vehicles, it could have been done alot better! I'm going to attempt a basic custom job with some Build-a-Rama stowage accessories to cover the holes and finall eliminate that toyish look.

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 9:55 pm

Well, if the 21c accessories looked like the ones on the Tamiya model (which also constitutes the picture of the vehicle on the Motorworks box) then I wouldn't bother with the customization!

Hollywoodkbl · Post by **Hollywoodkbl** » Wed Mar 02, 2005 11:45 am

I'm not going to complain too much on this one,...we at least got an 18 scale M113. How long did it take to just get this???? Having to scratch build one from the ground up would suck even more. Not too many of us out there willing to attempt that! Plus, now that I've spent the time and money to rock mine out, I'm sure they will release a Vietnam version!

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 9:28 pm

Well, I finally caved in and customized my Desert M-113 with Build-a-Rama Accessories. The project wasn't anything too origional, and I was inspired by the pics of JOC's cusotm OD Green M-113 on Teamski's website. The accessories were strategically placed to cover the holes and fixed using Krazy Glue. A couple of the origional accessories were left, as I thought they didn't look as bad as the others. When I have the chance, I'll repaint those a darker and flatter green. The job was completed in under an hour. IMHO, the results were better than I expected. Enjoy!

Gunner · Post by **Gunner** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 7:21 am

VERY nice work!

mondaytanker · Post by **mondaytanker** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 8:26 am

WOW!!!

What a difference! You turned that into an excelent model. I must place an order...

Tanker

digger · Post by **digger** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 10:51 am

Great job Tman.
Goes to show how sweet the M113 is aside from the figures and gear, and how sweet Build-A-Rama stuff is when teamed up with XD

Well done

compfire · Post by **compfire** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 12:56 pm

tmanthegreat - Nice job. Your pics show how a less then ideal looking die-cast can be turned into a much more attractive display without too much work. BTW - how much stuff & cost was the stuff from Build-A-Rama (i.e. - 1 or 2 order of bags?)

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 1:42 pm

Thanks for the positive comments!

I used one bag each of the Modern and WWII Stowage sets. They are $11.99 on the Build-a-Rama site, so the total without shipping was around $24. In a certain way, I got a bonus in that the duffel bags that came with the WWII stowage were the modern type with the shoulder strap (as opposed to the strapless WWII sack) and matched the others. I stuck some small loose articles in the crate that also came with the WWII accessories and that is stowed inside the vehicle, fitting perfectly on the shelf behind the bench.

The pieces attached to the vehicle quite well with Krazy (super) glue and are on more securely than the old stowage!

Hollywoodkbl · Post by **Hollywoodkbl** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 5:10 pm

Looks Cool, I need to contact Build-A-Rama and start getting some of their cool items. How long does it take to get items from them if you call with a credit card?

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 6:06 pm

Given that you're in Burbank and I'm in Westwood, it should only take Build-a-Rama a couple of days. They always seem to ship very quickly to California, especially for being out of state!

BTW, BCA aparently bought some M-113s from Wal Mart, as they are selling them on their site. Its kind of a horrible picture, however!

DocTodd · Post by **DocTodd** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 8:35 pm

Looks alot nicer with the new stowage.
Todd

Tinman · Post by **Tinman** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 8:56 pm

I see that Bad Cat is carrying the M113 now.

kenhil2 · Post by **kenhil2** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 9:19 pm

nice looking, even some simple upgrades make it look a lot better

Website · Post by **Teamski** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 7:36 am

Great job! It sure does make a difference!!

-Ski

immeww2 · Post by **immeww2** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 10:56 am

Nice work! Guess I'll have to outfit my 2 M113's with Build-A-Rama stuff too! They look terrific!