1/16 RC M-113A1 ACAV - Converting the Takom/Andy's HHQ kit to RC

[Kaczor]

These details are amazing

[lmcq11]

Ah, i found some information on the device included in the kit interior sprue but not in the instruction steps.

1/16 RC M-113A1 ACAV - Converting the Takom/Andy's HHQ kit to RC

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At one point, it appears in one figure of the instructions, without any assembly or positioning step, next to the fire extinguisher.

1/16 RC M-113A1 ACAV - Converting the Takom/Andy's HHQ kit to RC

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It fits in place only with some modifications to the base, which is too large to fit the allocated slot. I am guessing it was part of the original design of the kit, and then dropped at one point.

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It is an M8A3 NBC air purifier. I think it would technically apply to M-113 stationed in West Germany during the cold war. I do not see any use for the crews in Vietnam and as such it will be discarded for this build.

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4 crews could wear NBC masks and connect to it.

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Regards, Louis

[tankme]

From what I've seen and read, the color of the interior is closer to the Mig color as in more green than beige.

[lmcq11]

From what I've seen and read, the color of the interior is closer to the Mig color as in more green than beige.

I agree, without waiting further, i started painting the model with the Mig Ammo Vietnam set. Also used Vallejo decal fixer for the radio further below. The exterior of the model was previously given a coat of AK Interactive acrylic primer.

1/16 RC M-113A1 ACAV - Converting the Takom/Andy's HHQ kit to RC

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It looks good. Keep in mind that Interior green color gives different shades depending on the light used for the picture, sometimes more green, then more beige. It's not too dark, i like it. The floor will be painted aluminum color.

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The US Olive Drab Post WW2 is also not too dark either.

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While waiting for the rest to dry, I worked on the radio and painted it with Tamiya Olive Drab XF-62, sprayed heavily diluted in order to get the smoothest surface to position the decals.

The installation of the decal was quite an experience. Starting with the biggest and most important decals, it went relatively well at first. The target area for each was soaked with Vallejo decal fixer. The decals only take a couple of seconds to come loose in warm water. It is difficult to pick them up and slide them, they are so tiny. They have to be picked with the tip of a blade. I had difficulty with the smallest ones. Even with two pairs of glasses and magnifier, sometimes, all i could see was a tiny white blur. After positioning, a thin cotton cloth was used to press them in place, sometimes with areas between buttons where the decals need to be pressed down. Minuscule decals can turn upside down during the process and it's difficult to make sure they are well positioned. I managed to install most of them, except some smallest ones. At one point, i had to make a business case; accuracy or my sanity.

After drying, the radio was sprayed with flat clear to seal everything, then dry brushed with Dark Steel pigments. It is far from perfect but its certainly the best looking tank radio i ever had. I am impressed by the quality of the decals and i thank the designer for giving me the opportunity to build this.

1/16 RC M-113A1 ACAV - Converting the Takom/Andy's HHQ kit to RC

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Believe me, it's small. It is on this picture with some zooming that i clearly see the results for the first time. I see lots of little things that could be better but with the naked eye, they can't be noticed.

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On this picture, you can see the completed radio, and its tiny decals in relation to the size of the model.

1/16 RC M-113A1 ACAV - Converting the Takom/Andy's HHQ kit to RC

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When it will be positioned inside the vehicle, some wiring will be added, similar to this.

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Regards, Louis

[HERMAN BIX]

Restrain and sedate that man

Hey Mr Barry C..................do you ever hava feeling you might have been separated from a sibling at birth on the home planet ??

[Herr Dr. Professor]

For handling teeny-tiny decals, you can buy pointed, downright sharp tweezers from a hobby store or online, but I found on Amazon some years ago: "ingrown hair tweezers." They are inexpensive and last given use for delicate things. (I received some similar modeling tweezers as a gift, and I keep those for extreme cases of small parts or decals.)

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[lmcq11]

Thanks Doc, but I also need a bionic eyesight.

Driver’s instrument panel

M113 instrument panel

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M113 1/16 instrument panel

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[HERMAN BIX]

Id say that'll do nicely Mr Mcq11
Keep in mind that any viewer of this masterpiece will also need to get very close to the model to pick any flaws, and that would be too close to avoid a stern arse=ripping by the owner for doing so !!
Really really good job this.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

I do understand about the eyesight problem. But even in the photos I noticed something I like: "After drying, the radio was sprayed with flat clear...then dry brushed with Dark Steel pigments." I need to remember that trick of the Dark Steel. I can think of a Jeep with radio gear that could use just that treatment.

[Pavel]

If you say that the radio is working..... I won't be surprised...
Having heard:
-Good morning Vietnam!