Greetings, as it’s been over 2 years since Andy’sHHQ/Takom introduced their beautiful 1/16th scale M113, I’m curious that there’s been no conversions. Specifically; the M106. While the top deck, hatches etc wouldn’t be that difficult to scratch build, the M107 mortar/elevation mechanism/turntable /portable base plate etc along w/loose rounds would be something some skilled 3D artesian might produce.I’m interested in hearing what others have to think about this topic.
TIA
LAC
The M113 in 1/16 could be a business in itself, the question would be which conversion to make first? I’d take an M163, but would that be a vietnam version, US gulf war, or IDF, as one example. That said, I did think FMC modeltrend migjt have done it. But then, would you want them to? I’d be interested in the 106 as NZ did use them.
Of course, you scratch it, & someone will release it…
Here are my thoughts as a novice 3D CAD and 3D printer enthusiast:
I’m 98% certain that M106 conversion in 1/16 will never come out. 1% chance if HobbyLink out of Vietnam revises its 1/35 set into 1/16 scale.
Why? There’s simply no ROI if looking at a commercial point of view. CAD work will take a lot of resources and time. The price of 1/16 scale 3D printed parts will be very high - thus, the sale will be quite limited.
We’re not talking about WWII German stuff or M4 Sherman stuff or M1 Abrams stuff. I don’t see anyone touching it and marketing it unless it is for the desingner’s own enjoyment or maybe an STL file available for download for people with 3D printer. Therefore, remaining 1%. Haha
I would be happy, if Tamiya´s 1/35 re-releases their 1/35 scale kit. Or even better, a M106 from AFV Club.
True, maybe 1% of the original 1/16 M113 kit would want the conversion, which is not enough of a market. Especially compared to Luft 46 or paper panzers.
When is Tamiya’s kit from?
According to Scalemates, 1980. Wow, old!
Oldie but Goldie? Would be cool if Tamiya re-tools the kit.
Well, IMO, the Tamiya M106 is pretty crappy - as for today’s standards, back in the day it musta been fantastic:
The thing is in 1:16 you have to model every nut and bolt, otherwise it won’t look right. So drawing something for a 3D printer is very doable, but only if someone puts his/her heart into it, financially there is probably no profit here. Ideally it would have to start with a visit to a 1:1 example and some measurements. One could also get away with measuring the 1:35 model parts and getting the details from a TM. Still - it’s like about one month of a full time job, who’s gonna pay for this?
Good luck with your 1:16 builds, have a nice day!
Paweł
These ammo racks sure look a lot better now!
And I’ll second the idea that with a bit of work the Tamiya M106 kit cleans up very nicely.
Mine was done about 16 years ago (and yes, the summer verdant scheme isn’t accurate for a 3ID vehicle, but hindsight is a wonderful thing 
).
In 1/16 scale (second group of photos), as Pavel says, you absolutely have to get the detail right because if you don’t, it’s big enough to be obvious. There is nowhere near enough internal cabling in the AHHQ kit, missing cable ducting on the compartment ceiling, poorly detailed ramp pulley and lots of other stuff too. Mine has stalled for a number of reasons, but all the ‘additional detailing fatigue’ is definitely a factor.
M113 AHHQ project:
Corrected aerial socket
Ramp pulley
Internal roof detail
Better heater
Replacement commander’s seat rail
John, I remember those pics from years ago, thank you for posting, that’s a great build, I saved the pics as reference for my own build.
Now I wish I left a couple ammo racks empty for stowage
I like the broom. We always tried to have a broom to sweep off the tank. I’m surprised there isn’t more 3D detail parts for the 1/16 113.
TO: James J, John T, Pawel, James L, Tim H, Kylies N & Hermann B: Thank you for your comments & contributions to this topic I started a week or so ago. Your comments are very much appreciated. Mr. Lee, as a recognized 3D artist, I very much agree with your perspective. (No market, no product.) My goal of starting this topic, was well rewarded by all of you. I will endeavor to make my own (as the old adage of modeling is, scratch one, then somebody will produce a kit.!!) I took the old Verlinden 113 and made a 163…..nope, no kit yet. I’ve also got 1/16th M911/Talbert HET, w/an M88, an Oshkosh tractor/Patriot combo and others, working on a M109A6 presently - then will address the M106. There a gentleman on E-Bay who does a large 3D business, he makes a 1/16th 81mm mortar - I’ve tried to get him to make a 107mm for the M106, as of yet, no joy. I’ve mad 100+ 107mm ammo tubes, some rounds and started the mortar assembly, I figure if I make one, he’ll get around to producing one!! (fingers crossed.) I’ve saved everyone’s comments/wonders photos of beautiful scratch building both 1/35th & 1/16th M113 projects - motivation to say the least. Than you ALL, each & everyone for your thoughts/comments & contributions.
Best regards, LAC.
What a great build. I’ll probably never get around to mine but if I do I hope it looks half as good.
At the very least I can give it better wheels and track:
He would certainly be welcome to my M1024 walk around - with bar/slat armor. I’m betting there might be a few takers.
You wouldn’t happen to have anything on the original M106 or M106A1, would you? I’d like to make one but only need the external fittings and differences from a regular M113.
KL
No. Only the M1064 in Iraq.
See this portion of the thread - I made a trip since you posted that just to get the M106:
Thanks!
KL
