M-113 APC Upgrade With New Molds

[pickelhaube]

Pickelhaube, I just joined the forum because I saw this thread. I am in the process of dumping 1/6 and getting into 1/18. I've been looking for M-113 conversion items and tips.

Do you still have the Vietnam era M-113 ACAV commander's cupola and gunshield available? How much are they? I'd really prefer not to try and make my own. Thanks!

Hello ,

Welcome to the forum !!

I make them as needed.

I can offer them at a new reduced rate of $40. I think that when they first came out I charged about $50 for a full set.

But it will be a couple of weeks before I can make you a set.

I need to finish a couple of full builds before i can take on orders.

[Apache26]

Sounds great! I didn't see a private message tool on here, so I'll check back with the forum. Please let me know when you can make these available.

[pickelhaube]

There looks like there is a renewed interest in my M-113 upgrade .

My original bell turret was made to the Vietnam specs , I intend to recast the original as well as make a NEW TURRET for the Desert Storm Wars .

The new turret will have the sharp overhanging lip in the middle of the bell as well as the HUMVEE type front shield .

And if there is truly a re-found interest and if I can get at least 7 guys who show interest.

I will drop the price of the original set including the 60 shields to $35 !!

The " new modern turret " and shield ( with no rear 60 shields ) will sell for $25 !!!

What about those anti-rocket fences ?




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[Rylau]

Hi Matt; I'll take the new modern cupola and front shield and a set of side racks plus two sets of the rear 60 shields. Bob

[rschaap]

I would be in for a modern cupola, shield and racks.

[pickelhaube]

Does anybody know what makes the floor bottom of those slat armor racks ?



Solid plate ?
Non-skid plate ?
Stretched screen ?

[rschaap]

Matt,

From all the photos I saw it appears to be a solid floor for the racks. I could only locate some modelling photos as reference. All of the actual photos don't give much of a clue.

http://macros98.tistory.com/293

[grockwood]

The area above the first boogie, in the last photo, looks like a flat plate to me. Not real easy to see though even blown up to 400 x.

[tmanthegreat]

Matthew, are you still making this particular kit? I'd really like to get one, or at least the turret and MG shields!

[pickelhaube]

Matthew, are you still making this particular kit? I'd really like to get one, or at least the turret and MG shields!

Yes I am

[pickelhaube]

OK Guys , Inpute time

What racks do you want to see ?

1. The rack that is on the model which has all square runners ?
2. The same type of rack with rounded runners ?
3. The real pic with verticel flat bar runners ?








[/quote]

[Rylau]

Is one easier for you to make ?

[slogan]

Square for 1st choice. Round for 2nd choice. Would some of the antennas or smoke generators from the Humvee kit work on the M-113?

[pickelhaube]

Is one easier for you to make ?

The real pic would be easier to build .

Less parts but the model rack looks cooler.

Slogan,

I do not think any HUMVEE parts were used on the 113.

[Rylau]

Yup, the rack on the model does look a lot cooler. Up to you as far as I'm concerned.

[Rylau]

It seems to me that the antenna is attached to the little nubs on top of the APC at least the 'Nam version. I made a very realistic antenna out of a piece of stiff wire and a very tiny spring.

[pickelhaube]

OK this is what I am going to do with the rack.

I am going to make just like the model's representation.

I will make the floor with a non skid plateting .

The top and upright formers will be made of square stock.

The railings in the center will be of round stock just like the model in the Korean model that Rudy supplied the link to .

Thanks Rudy !!!!

http://macros98.tistory.com/293

[rschaap]

Glad I could help.

[slogan]

Looking forward to this. Maybe you could make an accessory set that could be used on this and other vehicles. Things like packs, bedrolls, ammo can, mre boxes, storage boxes.

[tmanthegreat]

Slogan, as far as 1:18 scale stowage accessories are concerned, you may want to check out Build-a-Rama: http://build-a-rama.com/catalog_1_18.shtml

They've been in business for well over a decade making all kinds of stowage and diorama accessories for 1:72, 1:32, and 1:18 scales. I've ordered a ton of stuff from them over the years and they are a very reputable company to deal with

[slogan]

Thanks for the heads up.

[pickelhaube]

I have been busy remaking molds for other sells and in my spare time I have been working on the M-113 project.

When I first made the original shields I made them to accommodate the only .50 cal I had . It was different than the original .50 cal that came with the m-113 .

So I made the tounge of the shield longer so it should work with any .50 cal on the market now. If it is too long it can always be cut down.

Here it is with the added length



I have made the flat bar rack . Watch a show on the Military chanel, these racks went to war in 2003 . Some m-113 had them some on both sides some on the right side only .

I had to go just a little thicker on the parts so casting would not be an issue .

This will come in 4 parts per side . Front railing , left and right side and floor piece .

This should be easy to put together.

The width is a little wide the original space was about 1 and 1/2 the thickness of a jerry can. Mine is about 2 jerry cans thick .

Input is welcome !!

[rschaap]

Looks great Matt. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[pickelhaube]

Thanks RC

I finished the new bell turret and have the model's type storage rack done .

The program that I watched this last Thurs on Military Channel had the old style AND the new style front shields .
And ALL were painted OD green !! The vehicles were painted sand BUT THE BELL TURRET AND FRONT SHIELD WERE PAINTED OD GREEN !!

Input is welcome !!

[slogan]

Love the new turret. Will it include the machine gun?