What would be the necessary external modifications required to convert
an M113A3 to the current IDF vehicle?
Of course, side-mounted racks would need to be added, along with an
extension to the exhaust pipe, and (according to various photographs)
perhaps replacing the .50cal with a GPMG (FN MAG).
Thanks,
Paul
You will also need the side mounted FN MAG machine guns on flexible mounts. You can harvest them off parts kits on eBay or get one from Verlinden, or Accurate Armour; Legend also makes the machine gun on the cradle, but without the flex mount.
I actually built all three variants. I built the Command Version with the Zelda kit; and built the Zelda armored variant and standard Nagmash using parts from my huge stash of parts.
I built it as a buttoned up vehicle, so interior details were omitted. The top hangers werew made from scratch while the lower racks were sourced from the Dragon M113A1 Nagmash kit (off eBay).
Added the FN MAGs from the Academy Zelda kit and that’s the kit. I built the modified exhaust with some plastic from the parts Tree, a little fire to melt and bend the plastic, then slapped the heat shield from the Kit and. Voila.
Thanks to you all for your informative responses.
Actually, I failed to mention in my original question that I am a dedicated small-scale modeller (1/72 and 1/76 scales). With that in mind, I intend to use as a base kit Trumpeter’s ‘M113A3’ (ref. 07240).
You ‘1/35 scale’ guys are lucky in having a wealth of add-ons and aftermarket kits for such conversions, while we ‘braille scale’ modellers often have to settle for scratch-building and the occasional spares-box items (but that in itself adds to the satisfaction).
Hi.Paul.
Modelbau- Silesia ,modeltans do 72nd Idf stuff.M113 conversions plus merkavas.Ive bought myself a Trumpeter m113a1 to do an IDF ambulance version in Lebanon c1982.Im hoping to ge some more soon.
All the best from Richard
Very welcome Paul.There are some Blackdog 72nd m113 conversions on e.bay at mo.Ive built one in 1.35th with sandbag armour.Still awaiting its paint 7 years later.
Richsrd