I am looking at getting myself a Vietnam 69-70 era M113 in 1:35. Academy and Tamiya make this vehicle, one that is “Vietnam Version” and another that is ACAV. I know there are other options available, too. I don’t know a great deal about the M113, so I would appreciate your guidence. Who makes the best kit for what I’m trying to do?
The Academy is based on the Tamiya (same motorization holes) but is generally better, though not perfect. You also get good figures and a boatload of extras, such as clear plastic bottles and bot indy and rubber band tracks. IIRC, their drive sprokets are better, too.
Academy’s is much better than Tamiya’s. The Acad one comes with a morr accurate interior as well. It also includes all the pieces to make the ACAV version with the extra guns and shields.
I’ve always been a big fan of the m113. I have several from different manufactures. Academy they are all real good. I did hear that the Reveal (or who ever makes it now) was not very good. Just remember one thing the m113 is made of aluminum and does not readily “rust”. Then again the red dirt seems have to have colored everthing a redish color.
I have the Academy 'Nam kit, & am about 1/2 way through it. My brother-in-law who used to sit in the commander’s cuppola a fair bit for the Aust Army, can’t fault too much with it. Specifically for our versions, there’s not a lot different between when we used them late 60’s/early 70’s in-country, & now (just prior to upgrading to AS3’s & AS4’s).
If I recall correctly, Academy’s kit had a seperate troop door in the ramp as well as seperate drivers periscope guards.
The Academy M113s do have separate rear troop doors and individual periscope guards around the driver’s hatch.
Revell’s is a reboxed Italeri M113. It isn’t horrible, but not too great either. It is missing key parts to the interior, like the whole instrument panel and power distro boxes to the left of the driver. The rest of the interior is much more crude than Academy’s too. For the money, Academy’s is the best.
Thanks guys, I was “feeling” the Academy one anyway. You fellas just cemented it.