Anyone build Tamiya’s M113a2? What did you think of the build? Any comments, etc?
Thanks,
Tank
As pictured on the box art, the kit is supposed to represent an M113A3. They took their older Vietnam era M113A1 and added new parts to make the kit look cosmetically like a current M113A3, but they miss many of the finer details that set the A3 apart from the A2. Built OOB, it will look like a modern M113A3 or if you leave off the external fuel tanks, a modern M113A2.
The A3 has a series of bolt holes along the entire length of the hull sides and rear for bolt on armor. It also has a set of tie down spots along the sides too. Neither detail is hard to add yourself, but would be a bit of a pain. The bolt hole detail is clear in the box top drawing.
The front slope of the hull has a 1" tick armor piece added above the trim vane (surf board). In the boxtop you will see the bolt detail around the headlight assemblies. This is another distinguishing feature of an A3 that is missing. Again, not a big deal to add yourself.
The top engine intake grills are missing the normal mesh covers, something easily added yourself.
The rear ramp still has the older style door hinges found on the older A2 vehicles. Again, not a big deal.
As far as the actual kit, it is not a bad model. It has been out for almost 30 years. The A3 interior differed slightly from the A1 or A2 interior so they did not include the interior sprues. The top cargo hatch still carries over the original error. The hatch release pull (just a length of chain inside a black rubber hose) is located on the wrong side of the hatch (should be opposite the hinges).
As a plus, the kit includes a couple of nice crewman (ok 1½) and the accessory sprue that has a lot of update gear on it (sold separately for $9 as #35266).
Thanks for the information,
I heard the kit had some short comings…In another review, the modeler recommended the academy kit instead…Do you agree the academy kit is a better offering? and why if so?
thanks,
Tank
Academy kit is much better. It is built as an A2 from the ground up. Has correct number of shocks, correct grill and radiator access cover on the engine area, also comes with external fuel tanks for an A3 version. It still has the interior to modify for an A3 as well. Comes with individual link plastic track and vinyl track too. A better kit all around.
Well, I agree with Gino that the Academy kit is a better all around representation of the M113A2/A3. Having said that, if you wanted to build an OIF (Iraq) version, the Tamiya kit is probably the better bet just because of the updated stowage, CIPs and unit markings.
Squadron lists both of them at the same price, but the Academy kit does give you an interior to work with. Tamiya did add a new radiator cap, extra shock absorber and a couple of other bits to update the old kit.
If u want full interior and engine buy academy m113a2 … if a exterior buy tamiya … but if u buy a tamiya modern equipment set and put it on academy that better … it will also same as the tamiya m113