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
Paul
Sounds like you pretty much have it covered for a basic IDF M113A3 APC. Maybe a few Israeli water cans and holders too.
Other versions are much more elaborate with all sorts of added on stuff.
Saw this model which i found interesting from 90s
You can get your hands on the Academy M-113 “Zelda” kit.
It’ll give you the choice of building either the armored personnel (Nagmash) or the Command Vehicle (Pikud) variant in one box…
If you can;t find this particular kit, then you can use the Academy M113A3 Iraq War 2003 kit as a base.
.
But this kit will not give you the IDF specific seating configuration.
Our seating arrangement.
IDF configuration interior.
That being said; there are ways to do it without much work.
The exterior racks can be purchased separately from legend.
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.
I used this image as reference for the build.
Very cool now a follow up to your build I wonder what work would be needed to convert Tamiya’s M106 to the IDF mortar carrier
Got enough antennas mate?
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).
Paul
If it’s 1/72 scale you were looking for, Black Dog makes a conversion kit for the Trumpeter M113A2 Armoed Car (07239).
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
Richard,
Yes, I’m familiar with this company’s products … most impressive.
However, I’m not sure of how to access them in the UK … any suggestions?
Paul
They pop.up on e.bay sometimes.Maybe e.mail them and see what they say.
Richard
Richard,
Many thanks.
Paul
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
If I were to build a IDF M106A3 what mortar would I need the kit supplied 4.2 in or does the IDF use a 120mm?
120mm, like Gino stated.
The mortar is the Cardom (Hatchet) which is a heavily-modified Soltam K-6 120mm mortar. Here’s one belonging to the Philippine Army
Mere info here.
H.P.
