TongDe M-113 A.P.C. - Asking for any/all Ideas from those who also have one, or even just want one

[Marc780]

So I finally got a TongDe M-113. I'd been wanting one for 2 years but the only ones available were the Hooben and the OKMO M-113's. The Hooben was $600 and the OKMO even more, and I could not justify buying either one of those, not even to myself. So the new TongDe model at $200 (plus shipping and tax adds another $75...) was exactly right. I know there's probably a way to get it cheaper than $275 if you're willing to wait for sales etc. but I figured I'd waited long enough already! So I got mine from "Toucan Hobbies" on Ebay. Ordered this model on October 6 and received it October 20.

But the reason I made this post is to ask anybody else who has an M-113 in 1/16 scale what have you added, modded, or changed on yours (regardless of who made it)? How did you paint it, camo or not? How did you do the weathering? And what components did you add or modify? And where did you get the crew figures in 1/16 (if any) to go with it?

Right now I'm planning on painting it as a Vietnam-era M113, which of course means, I can use any paint I want so long as it's olive drab. But I'll be adding weathering of course, which is why I am asking those of you, who have weathered a solid green model tank/APC, to please show me, or at least tell me what you did and how?

All feedback is welcome - even if you never even plan to get an M-113!

[Herr Dr. Professor]

I didn't know the TongDe M113 is available already. I will check Toucan a.s.a.p. Here's a stunning M113 custom build with oo-goo-gobs of great ideas: viewtopic.php?t=36738&hilit=M113

[Estnische]

From what I have seen of Rich Johnson's, and what Louis did to a AHHQ kit, it has plenty of potential.

The US, Aussies and ARVN used plenty of them, so there are lots of examples:

1. At the beginning, without shields for the commanders' 50 cals.
2. Home-made 50 cal shields.
3. Standard issue 50 cal shields.
4. With Miniguns.
5. With Gage turrets.
6. With Saladin turrets.
7. With flame-throwers.
8. With Engineer's truck cranes (Hiabs in Australia).
9. With mobile mortars.

... and more I'm sure.





While Tongde made an opening rear ramp with easy access to see inside, its ugly in there. It needs a lot of work and a AHHQ kit to get it to Louis' standard.

Although I was sorely tempted to get the metal version, I suspect it needs those big gearboxes to drive the heavy running gear, and that will take up the precious room inside. I've ordered the plastic version like yours, hoping to use the Tamiya mini-gearbox that Louis did and save a heap of room to deck out the inside.

Do your research, and I'm sure it will be a great project. One pitfall can be the weathering stage. The M113s were made from aluminium (or 'aloominum'), which does not rust. Have a look at the worn lower hull on this terrific image.

[Meter rat]

I too suggest you look at Louis builds for ideas.

viewtopic.php?t=36738

My personal favourite.

IMG_0975.jpeg (54.47 KiB) Viewed 374 times

Look at some of the Danish M113’s. I do believe they are still in use, in a modernised version.
https://www.armyvehicles.dk/m113family.htm

[Marc780]

Thanks for everybody who's replied so far! I am also looking for a source for crew figures, and metal upgrade parts - I think this model is simply too new on the scene for there to be many upgrade parts available yet, unfortunately.

[tankme]

Thanks for everybody who's replied so far! I am also looking for a source for crew figures, and metal upgrade parts - I think this model is simply too new on the scene for there to be many upgrade parts available yet, unfortunately.

It literally started shipping 2-3 weeks ago so it's just arriving in customer's hands and some manufacturer's hands this past week.

[Marc780]

Yesterday I laid down the primer (white) and did base coats in olive drab. I used rattle can at this point (Vallejo - Hobby Paint Spray AFV | US Olive Drab).

I am not finishing up all the weathering until I paint the tracks (black)

Solid colors are not easy to do weathering on, at least to me, so I'll airbrush it using faded greens and yellows just to try to create some kind of more-realistic looking contrast in the finish.

Today I did some airbrush shading of the APC, using Vallejo Yellow Olive. My main thought was to go lightly with the shading and not try to do too much in one go. My idea for painting is to make the lower portion of the vehicle slightly darker (from mud, dirt, machine grease, wear and tear) that will gradually lighten into faded olive drab/yellow olive the further up the APC you go. I really like the set of green paints, from Vallejo they call "US Army Olive Drab Modulation Set, 8ml." It cost me $22 for the set of 6 paints. It comes pre-mixed for airbrushing straight out of the bottle. (I'm aware of the missing bits, I'm adding them back part by part

My only complaint of this paint set is, 8 ml of paint is not enough for serious painting! So you will almost inevitably have to buy one or more additional bottles of individual colors, especially if you are doing a base coat. But for varying shades of green on olive drab vehicles, this set has just about every shade you'd want.

I sent off for some 1/16 crewman since the tank does not come with any. At the minimum I want the driver figure installed, maybe the commander figure if it comes out looking right - painting faces is always the toughest part for me!

[Marc780]

Oops i made a double post - Admin please delete

[HERMAN BIX]

I see these now launching on Ali.
Might even get one myself one day & see what can be done.
The options are almost endless, but one option springs to mind

UKRAINE M113.jpg (129.09 KiB) Viewed 239 times

[Meter rat]

I see these now launching on Ali.
Might even get one myself one day & see what can be done.
The options are almost endless, but one option springs to mind

UKRAINE M113.jpg

Oh, Mr B, please do.

Marc780. Your paint looks amazing.