New Mods - 21c M-113 Customized to a Vietnam War M-113 ACAV

[tmanthegreat]

I have a 21c XD 1/18 M-113 (diecast version) that has been an ongoing customization project to properly back-date it from the modern M-113A2/A3 tooling to a Vietnam War-era M-113A1. This started out as the OD Green diecast M-113 and back in 2015 I removed the stowage and external fuel tanks, installed Pickelhaube's turret shield, filled in holes, and gave it a new paint scheme. This past week, I installed new accurate rear fenders and more period-correct markings drawn from spare 1/35 decals. The new fenders and spare wheel were parts I got off Shapeways. Although vehicle is marked as being part of the 3/4 Cavalry Division, it is otherwise a fictitious scheme.

Enjoy the pics

[Crazy Kraut]

Well done, nice custom.
But I felt in love with your BRUMMBÄR in the back

[tmanthegreat]

Thanks Sven!

Here's a couple closeup pictures of the Brummbar. This was made using board member Aracula's custom kit, grafted to a 21c Panzer IV hull. The current paint job is the vehicle's second after I decided I didn't like my first attempt... The model is radio controlled & I gave the fighting compartment a basic interior as well

[Studly]

Very Nice Tman Well Done.

Cheers
Studly

[rschaap]

Excellent job. I'm currently working on some other M113 conversions. This is the one I did a while back. I really like the M113. I have made some modifications to mine since these photos and just have to get around to weathering it and adding the crew. There have been some excellent M113 mods on this site. Keep up the great work.

[tmanthegreat]

I really like the 21c M-113 as well The originals were simplistic, especially with that horrible stowage and figures, though with a little work they could be transformed into fantastic vehicles. My very first vehicle customization project 12 years ago was to remove the crappy factory-installed stowage on a desert M-113 and replace it with Build-a-Rama stowage. However, I never understood why 21c never made a proper Vietnam M-113A1 in 1/18 scale, especially as they had a prototype 1/18 version plus the excellent 32x diecast model.

And rschaap, your M-113 ACAV with the recoiless rifle and accurate markings is a work of art

[rschaap]

I do appreciate that. It was a labor of love. I am working on an early version of the M113A1 with an earlier acav that looks more like field made armor. I got it years ago partially built and have been working on finishing it. I'm hoping it turns out worthy of display.

[normandy]

Tman, great job on both the 113 APC and Brummbar The picture frame display base is a cool idea
and the cabinet with the armor in it, very nice. I can see a "tank of the week" display...every week changing
out a piece of armor and replacing it with one from the cabinet.

[tmanthegreat]

My customized 21c Vietnam War M-113 has received some further modifications, courtesy of Picklehaube's M60 gun shield parts. The model is now a proper-looking M-113A1 ACAV, though it still retains the fictional markings I put on it last month.

This latest addition was a multi-step process that first involved removing the stowage I had glued to the vehicle roof, filling holes with putty, sanding down glue stains, then repainting the roof section while being careful not to damage the existing markings. I next assembled Picklehaube's M60 shields (again a lot of sanding, puttying, priming, painting and weathering) and mounted them so that they are able to swivel. To do this, I drilled holes in the vehicle roof at the desired locations for the shields, then attached a small piece of wire to the base/support of the shield that was then inserted into the hole on the vehicle roof. The mod seems to be holding up thus far!

The M-113 is crewed with some 21c XD first series Vietnam soldiers and vehicle driver figures.

Enjoy the pics

[pickelhaube]

looks great !!

[Light.Inf.Scout]

excellent

[rschaap]

Very nice sir, two thumbs up.

[mutt71]

Tman, Can you fill me in on the barbed wire that you used and the rest of the stowage? Like the 20mm ammo cans, smoke grenades, etc? Thanks in advance!

[tmanthegreat]

Sure, Mutt

The “barbed wire” spool is just some picture hanging wire I had, which I thought looked the part. The smaller ammo cans and crates were made by Build-a-Rama. Unfortunately they are no longer in business, but you should be able to find their products on eBay. The larger ammo boxes were part of the original stowage that came with the M113. I’ve also thought about adding a role of simulated chain link fencing made from wire or vinyl screen mesh. You sometimes see the role of fencing being carried on M113s in period photos (it was used to help protect the crew when encamped at night in the field, I think).

You may be able to find some suitable stowage substitutes with the accessories that come with the Power Team Elite toys sold st Big Lots which have ammo cans, Jerry cans, crates, boxes, packs, and tools. Some of the FOV 1/18 Bravo Team WWII and Modern soldier figures came with useful accessories like crates, MRE boxes, Jerry cans and ammo boxes as well.

Hope all this helps

[mutt71]

Thank you for the information on this.
I have found some stowage items on E-bay and will look for the Build A Rama ammunition cans. I ordered the rear fenders and the spare road wheel that you used on your M-113.
The fencing that you want to add, was indeed for protection. It was erected around the vehicles as protection from the RPG-2's (B40 rockets). It would detonate them before they would hit the vehicles. Just a couple of suggestions, if you add the rolled up fencing, is to also add pieces of Plastruct angle shaped (Not sure which size would be best as yet). These would have been used to sink into the ground, holding up the fencing. I'm thinking of using bridal veil material form the fencing. It may give a better scale appearance. Again, just a suggestion. Thank you for your assistance on this project!

[Rylau]

I made mine a very long time ago so the items may not be available. I used strip styrene by Evergreen Scale models #293 for the engineering stakes [ angle iron ] from a hobby shop and Adfors Fiba Tape by Saint-Gobain from Home Depot for the rolled up fencing. Like I said, a long time ago. Good luck. Bob

[mutt71]

Thank you Sir! I really appreciate the info, I'll look into getting these items together for my M-113.
Thanks again!