Modelling the M113 Series

Review by Terry Ashley

The book covers the construction of five models again divided into categories this time with star ratings indicating the different degrees of complexity in the construction and detailing stages.

Each article has many colour photos of the models during construction showing clearly the inclusion of the aftermarket detail sets as well as many scratch built items in what is basically a step by step visual guide to the building process with photo captions explaining what is happening in the photos as well as detailed text describing the complete building and painting process.

The painting of the finished models follows the same formula with progress pics showing the basic painting of the camouflage schemes with the use of masks where applicable to the weathering process through to the final model.

There is a brief introduction to the tools and materials used during the construction of the models followed by the models themselves.

The five models are:

• YRP-765 PRAT (Pantser Rups Anti-Tank)
  Dutch Army Anti-Tank Vehicle
  Based on the AFV Club YPR-765 and Academy FIST-V kits.
  Skill level; Two stars
  Details include additional parts from Italeri, Tamiya, Aber and MV lenses.
  Additional details added to the AFV Club hull from plastic card and kit parts with the Academy TOW turret also getting extra detailing from plastic card, strip and wire. Markings applied using Eduard masks as well as kit decals.
• K263 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun
  Korean Army Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun
  Based on the Academy KIFV and M163 Vulcan kits.
  Skill level; Two stars
  Detail include parts from Eduard, Tamiya, Aber, Karaya and Evergreen.
  There is considerable reworking of the KIFV upper hull which seems a lot for a two star rating with many details changed and new side floatation tanks made from plastic card plus additional details from card and etched parts.
  The Vulcan turret also has extra detailing with the Eduard etched set which includes the metal ammo feed chutes which can be a job to assemble but the end result looks good with the distinctive Korean can scheme and weathered finish.
• M92 PNMK (PaNsret Maskinkanon)
  Danish Army FSV
  Based on the Academy FIST-V kit with Accurate Armour M92 PNMK Conversion Set.
  Skill level; Three stars
  Additional detail parts from Eduard, AFV Club (Tracks), Scale Scenic brass mesh, Evergreen and MV Lenses.
  The hull has extensive reworking to include the corrugated side armour panels made from Evergreen strip and wire mesh with the addition of the Accurate Armour upper hull deck and turret with additional armour panels from plastic card and etched details. The markings were applied using rub on and masking techniques with a well dusted finish.
• 4 x 25mm SIDAM (Sistema Integrato di Difesa Antiaerea Mobile)
  Italian Army Anti-Aircraft Defence System
  Based on the Academy M163 Vulcan kit #6030
  Skill level; Four Stars
  Additional details from Eduard, Tamiya, Aber, Modelkasten tracks, Evergreen and MV lenses.
  The lower hull has some additional detailing with card and etched parts but the main part of the this model is the fully scratchbuild quad 25mm Oerlikon cannon turret from card sheet, sprue for the weld beads, wire and spare parts from the kits plus plenty of filler and elbow grease to get the contours of the turret and twin gun turrets.
  The finished model is in overall dark green but given a good covering of dust and subtle weathering to give life to an otherwise dull finish.
• Lynx Command & Reconnaissance Vehicle
  Canadian Army Reconnaissance Vehicle
  Based on the Hobby Fan Lynx C&R Resin kit
  Skill level; Five Stars
  Additional detailing Scale Scenic mesh, AFV Club, Aber, Academy, Karaya, Mapel Leaf Models, Evergreen and Grief Lenses.
  The basis Hobby Fan kit (if basic is the right word?) is assembled with slight modifications for the profile and additional scratchbuilt details added from card, lead strip, etched parts and wire plus all the other small tweaks and additions needed for any resin kit.
  The subtle three colour cam scheme is well done as is the subtle weathering for another attractive model sitting on a small scenic base for effect.

Following the chapters on the model building are lists of available printed references and websites that will provide valuable information on the vehicles featured as well as listings of Museums with preserved M113s and variants if you able to get to any of these?

Finally there is listed all available kits of the M113 series and a list of M113 Nomenclature to help translate the many different names and terms used by the many users of the M113 series.

Conclusion:
This book continues the trend of previous Modelling Manuals with a wealth of information and clear photos to illustrate the text and will provide many useful tips and modelling ideas that can easily be used on other models as well as the models featured. I particularly liked the painting finishes and cam schemes as there was not one paint chip to be seen, a trend which is well out of hand these days.
The only other comment I would make is with the book title as it should more likely be "Modelling the M113 Variants" as there is actually no M113 in the book and someone looking for an M113A2 for example won't find one, but that is a small point on what is an overall excellent book with well built and finished models to get your teeth into.

Highly recommended.

Page created 17 March 2005