I’ve wanted to do an IDF AMX-13 for a while and had picked up the Tamiya kit and a set of Friuls before really researching which version of the tank the IDF used. Had I done so I may have started with a Takom kit, but in the end, both need quite a bit of detail changes to be reasonably accurate. I’ll end up with a model that’s mostly Tamiya with Takom parts.
The most visible mods so far are the turret riser, rear air intake covers and extended gun cradle arms. To be done still: converting road wheels to bolted type from the kit’s welded type (same as Takom), changing headlights and brush guards to early style, changing side bins to late types and adding IDF specific turret details.
I should add that Tamiya kit is a little gem: good fit, good detail and a real pleasure to build. Out of the box, it represents a re-built Type 2A hull with a standard FL 10 turret, very common. Even the TC figure is good. I’ll be changing his head and using him as an IDF TC.
Another very interesting model comin’ up! I see you are not scared of work to be repeated MANY times… I hope you can find your peace doing that! Good luck with your build and have a nice day
Thanks Bill. I actually bought the Heller APC on the AMX hull, thought about doing a “good” one using Tamiya parts but after opening the box I’m having serious second thoughts. It’s toy-like, but I have to keep in mind its vintage. But yeah, it’s Heller-ish.
G, I just got one in to rob for parts, and it’s a nice kit too. I’f I wasn’t so far into the Tamiya kit it would be tempting to just build the Takom one. But it’s not a great representation of an IDF tank either, so I’m sticking to the Tamiya kit.
So far I have the side bins mostly done and some bolt heads added to the front fenders, the FC Modeltrends headlights on (nice parts) and am looking forward to getting more done on the turret as well. The Takom kit has everything I need to finish.
Thanks G. It’s kind of the go/no go point for me. So I have some detail painting done and the first wash is nearly all cleaned up. I used Vallejo “games wash”, new to me.
I haven’t found much of a difference in the Game lines Vs. the Model lines of paints. They all work the same, just different shades of the same colors. I’m using Vallejo’s Weathering effects “Thick Mud” right now and it’s better than the enamel based products to me. Easier cleanup and it doesn’t eat your underlying layers of paint.
That’s a good looking AMX, Russ. I’m not a fan of that series of Armor, but you make it look good. How far into the weathering are you going to go?
She looks good to me! I’m assuming it’s an acrylic wash? I tried some on my last project and I’m having to get used to them. They’d probably work just as well as the solvent based stuff but I need more practice.
Mike, it’s heading towards rode hard and put up wet. I have a well known pic of one being passed up by a column of M-50 Shermans and it looks beat up, so that’s what I’m going for.
G, yes acrylic, and I think I like them. They’re much easier to work with after they’ve dried, and they don’t affect the underlying color at all, ideal for a pin wash.
So here it sits as of tonight. I had some time after things settled down her (busy Christmas!) and managed to get a lot done. It still needs antenna bases, the cooling fan screen, hatches and crew figs, and I’m thinking seriously about adding a Sherman tow cable looped on the front plate.
Thanks G. I think the next one will be closer to OOB, maybe. I have another set of the same Friuls and enough of another Tamiya kit to build one, maybe using a few of the left-over Takom bits.
IMG_4098 by Russel Baer, on Flickr
IMG_4099 by Russel Baer, on Flickr
