Hello all,
Building the old Tamiya M113 kit (35040). I know that the Academy kit is better but I have the Tamiya kit in hand. My question to all is what easy things can I do to improve the kit? Has anyone done a build log of this kit? Any photos of it would be a big help thanks
Dutch

You can take a look a these models (even if most of them are Tamiya ACAV M113s, most of the tips are OK for the kit you have ) :
http://plamo.outthere.info/forum/showthread.php?tid=2695
http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/2000/12/stuff_eng_isaksson_m113.htm
http://planetarmor.com/forums/album.php?albumid=36
http://s12.invisionfree.com/ScaleModelsMalaysia/ar/t4764.htm
But it all depends on how much time (and money ) you're willing to spend...Eduard (among others)has released several PE sets for the M113 and its variants, but set #35406 should be worth a look.

HTH
Frenchy

The Tamiya kit has a gaping hole in the driver's hatch where the IR periscope goes when mounted. It's normally not mounted and not when the driver's hatch is open. Look like this from the inside:
http://data3.primeportal.net/apc/carl_dennis/m113a2/images/m113a2_11_of_88.jpg
and this from the outside:
http://data3.primeportal.net/apc/dan_hay/m113a2/images/m113a2_058_of_132.jpg

The strap for releasing the rear hatch is molded upside down and should look like this:
http://data3.primeportal.net/apc/cesar_ferreira/m113/images/m113_05_of_37.jpg

The Eduard ZOOM set is the cheapest way to keep the intake screens.

Paul

Thanks guys this is great stuff keep it coming.

The M113's ramp also needs some additional detailing/work. It is missing the pully and cable for raising & lowering the ramp. The ramp should also have an additional plate in the inside, that raises the level of the ramp even with the sides of the ramp. Both details are easy to make with some sheet styrene. Look on Prime Portal for the reference pictures...
John

One can never have too many M113s. I suggest getting the Academy kit as well so you can use the optional 0.30 cal turret or the Zippo turret on the Tamiya kit.