Yes they space right along, I guess as they are more out of sight that the maker didnt bother, Also thats a nice shot of the fuel lines and cover that was missed to in the kit.
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Hi Jacques,
I think there an extra 25-30 footman loops - four rows of 5-6 loops (can’t quite be sure), two along each side of the lower interior. Because I’ve added the CBR brackets, that means there are a further four required. All in, I suspect there are around 150 required for the vehicle (there may be more on the exterior too, but I haven’t explored the outside yet).
PS: the T130E1 tracks I ordered from you arrived today (thanks for the bonus part too). They look outstanding and I’ve added them to the pile of extras for when I get to the running gear.
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The image below shows what I think is a short-range FM aerial? I can only remember seeing them on USAF EOD vehicles (operating on/near airbases). Were they ever used on army wagons?
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Another week has gone by and it’s been a bit of a strange one. I had a couple of evenings away from the bench pursuing a different hobby, but overall, I’ve been able to deliver more progress.
The rear hatch winch has been improved:
I’ve strapped the fuel tank into the hull:
It may not look much, but I’m really pleased with the extra vent for the heater unit. The kit provides one, plus a spare blanking plate. I used the latter and then created a new vent by heating and bending some of the kit sprue, before chopping it down to size and hollowing the part out.
The major task of the week was to build the last part of the CBR detector. This is the external mount that fits onto the front of the M113
And finally, a bit more stowage for the cause. I ran out of the necessary plastic rod for the poles, so I’m awaiting the arrival of a general Evergreen re-stock to Chez Tapsell. However, the spreaders are done.
My evening adventure was also productive - a visit to the bi-annual night photoshoot at RAF Northolt.
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Great additions John.Really nice scratchuilding work.
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Another Sunday - another update.
Some of the things I’ve been doing this past week I didn’t bother photographing. I assembled the rear fender units straight from the box and set them aside. I’ve modified the footlocker I built a few weeks back. I realised that I’d based it on a 1940s/50s design, but the changes were straightforward (and yes, it will feature on the finished model - stay tuned). I have also started work on some more personalised stowage but I’m keeping that under wraps at present.
Internally, I replaced the seat post in the troop compartment. The kit piece is too chunky and I wanted a thinner appearance to it/ The commander’s platform is left unaltered because the overly thick lips face downwards and are not visible. Curiously, the commander’s seat back is the only one in the kit that doesn’t attempt to portray thecushion material wrapped round the back. Both the driver’s seat and the jump seat have this feature moulded on.
The external fire extinguisher handle in the kit isn’t the most common type, so that has been replaced with the more common variant. I have a suspicion that the kit part represents a really early production unit(?).
Also added to the underside of the roof were the connection points for the heater inlet and exhaust vents.
I made a start on the M113A2 flapper exhaust port but it needs some more work yet.
Finally, this little beastie arrived last week. It seems to scale out pretty close to 1/16 (with Verlinden sets, it’s not always the case).
You may also recall I was asking questions about how the Dragon missiles were stowed in the dedicated scout versions of the M113 with the M175 launcher on the commander’s station. I haven’t resolved that to my satisfaction yet, but i now know the official way of stowing the M175 inside the vehicle (This is from the TM - clearly written by Heath Robinson…)
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Heater comes first!
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Not much to report this week. A combination of the day job getting in the way of life, partly due to trying to get a week’s work into four days to give me a day off on Friday, and preparations for Scale ModelWorld at Telford in three weeks time. I’ve been deciding what models to take for our club display and also checking to make sure all my camera kit is still working (I take the official photos of all the class/category winners). haven’t used the studio lights for several months so it’s better to be sure they work before I arrive at the venue 
I did get some time to assemble sections of Jacques’ 3-d printed T130E1 tracks which are awesome. Thanks also to Sean for sharing some great info on the M175 missile mount.
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I frequent this site on and off, and was surprised to see this one, John! Last time I spoke with you (probably Telford 2022/2023, late evening in the hotel with John Hebditch) you were an ardent 1/48 modeller. My AFV interest is split between 1/35 and 1/72 (largely reflecting my crazy side), but I must confess lately I’ve been tempted to “try” a 1/16 build ………
Your work here is superb, and I will now follow with much interest. If I do succumb to 1/16, I can blame you!
I’d like to see this build for real. Which club stand will it be on at Telford?
Terry
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Hi Terry,
Yes, I still consider myself a modeller of 1/48 scale AFVs, but the M113 holds a particular place in my heart and I’ve built many of them in 1/35 over the years. There isn’t one available (in plastic) in 1/48, but the opportunity to explore one in 1/16 scale was too tempting to ignore. I don’t have the space to move to 1/16 as a primary scale, but if the right vehicles are available in the future, I may be tempted from time to time.
I don’t see myself moving away from 1/48 long term, but I’m really enjoying the challenge of working in a scale I’ve never tackled before.
The in-progress model will be displayed on the IPMS Stafford stand in Hall1 at Telford this year (we’re located on the same block of tables as most of the car and motorcycle SIGs). I may or may not be available to talk to on the stand because I have some show-related duties to fulfil, but I’ll be leaving a crib sheet with my colleagues
You may also see me loitering in the Holiday Inn (possibly in the bar…) over the weekend.
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Hi John,
I just checked the floor plans for SMW 2025, so can see where Stafford is. I’ll be with Wessex and Dorset on block 1G, adjacent to you. I’ll pop over and say hi at some point, and yes I’m sure I’ll see you in the bar also.
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I thought I should post an update about not updating this thread for a couple of weeks.
I spent time preparing for and attending Scale ModelWorld at Telford last weekend and a cracking time it was too. Despite attending every SMW and before that, every IPMS (UK) Nationals since 1988, it never gets tired or stale and I love being part of it.
Then there’s the day job, which at the moment has me running a complex and high value procurement project - nothing I haven’t handled before but it eats into my time.
FInally and much more pertinent is that I’m currently dealing with the funeral arrangements for an elderly and much-loved aunt. Whilst that’s a maudlin thing to say, arranging a decent send-off for my late aunt is both an honour and a privilege.
My M113 is a patient soul and is happy to wait a few weeks until I get back into the groove. I am still tinkering with various components, so I haven’t completely given up on it, but I’m not achieving anything substantive at present.
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I saw your 113 on your stand John and close up i can see the very neat work you have created.Its always a great show and certainly lots of walking.Im hoping to help with set up next year.I was hoping to get an Afv club 113 at the show but sadly not.Some traders were rammed on the Saturday but i did get a couple of bargains.
All the best to you and god bless your Aunty.
Richard
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