Tamiya - M113 APC (1/35) (ENGLISH)

Why a first impression of a model dating from 1974? Simple, the model is still available and certainly not bad even though there are already models from AFV, Italeri, Revell and Academy. For my purpose however, the conversion to a YPR806A1 ARV with the new Sylly's conversion set, the Tamiya model is preferred.

The M113 is an armored infantry vehicle designed by the American FMC Corporation. With more than 80,000 vehicles in many variants, it is one of the most widely used armored vehicles. More of the Universal Carrier or Bren gun carrier from World War II were built, namely 113,000, but that vehicle was less versatile. The M113 is amphibious with some preparation. The bow wave retaining plate must be placed upright (to prevent water from hitting the vehicle), bilge pumps must be turned on (to pump out incoming water) and some openings must be covered. In the water, the tracks provide the drive. The speed in the water is about 5.8 km / h. The vehicle can drive up slopes of up to 60% (31°) and a maximum lateral inclination of 30% (16.7°). It can cross an obstacle of 0.6 m high ('step') and a trench of 1.7 m wide ('switch'). The M113 can be transported by air in large transport aircraft such as the C-5 Galaxy or the C17 Globemaster, and under heavy helicopters such as the CH-53 Stallion, CH-47 Chinook, or the CH-54 Tarhe "flying crane”.
In the US, the M113 is called ''track'' or ''one-one-three''. In Australia it is called ''bucket'' or ''bush-taxi'' and in Germany ''Badewanne'' (bathtub) or ''Elefantenschuh'' (elephant shoe). In the Netherlands it is simply called ''M113''. The variants derived from the M113 are truly countless.

The Netherlands usage
Although the infantry, cavalry and artillery used vehicles of the AMX family (namely the AMX-PRI - the Dutch version of the AMX-13 VCI -, AMX-13 2D 105L44 Light tank and AMX-PRA (the Dutch version of the AMX-13 105L30 AU 50), the AMX vehicles were not considered suitable for the armored pioneers and reconnaissance units. The DAF YP-408 and DAF YP-104 were also found unsuitable because they were not amphibious. The Netherlands therefore bought more than 700 vehicles of the M113 family in the 60s. They entered the operational units from 1967 onwards, mainly armored pioneers (M113A1) and reconnaissance units (M113 C&V). The M577 became available for the staff of brigades, and as a fire control center (VRC) for the field artillery.

The vehicles of the Dutch Armed Forces were painted in the colour army green (RAL 6014-F9, older colour codes C13292 FD, S595 24088). The paint used protects to a limited extent against infrared perception. In the 70s, the army put the first driving simulators for driver training into use. Among them were simulators for M113 drivers.

Variants
M106A1 PRMR - Pantser Rups mortier  (mortar).
M113A1,
M113A1 PRI - Pantser Rups Infanterie (infantery).
M113A1 PRGN - Pantser Rups Genie.
M113A1 PRRDR - Pantser Rups RaDaR
M113A1 KMar - (Military police)
M113A1 PRGWT - Pantser Rups Gewonden (casualty medical)
M113 C&V - Commando & Verkenning (recce)
577A1/A2 PRCO - Pantser Rups Commando 
M688 LT Loader-Transporter.
M752 SPL Self Propelled Launcher.
YPR-806 PRB - Pantser Rups Berging.  (recovery)
and... YPR-765 - further development M113A1

Of the different variants of the M113, vehicles were also in use for driver training. These could be recognized by orange surfaces on the front and back with the word "LES" in black letters

The Tamiya model
According to Scalemates, this model is dated 1974. However, I can only conclude that it does justice to the well-known Tamiya quality.
The grey injection molded frame with the parts for the vehicle for the interior design have no flash as well as the two green frames for the rest of the parts. The detailing of the parts, especially for a 1974 model, is good. Also, the figures certainly look acceptable for the time. The body is made of one piece on top of which the upper deck fits.

As mentioned, the model has an interior design, quite extensive and with many possibilities to add a lot of extra detail. To what extent it is correct with the Army version I have not checked further because the inside of the YPR806A1 is completely different. Tamiya supplies so-called polycaps with this model. Polycaps make it possible to keep wheels easily rotatable but also to easily detach the wheels from the body. Both are ideal for editing tracks a lot easier. This model can actually be used as a base model (Vietnam) for many versions as a scratch-build or with the help of the many aftermarket products and there are plenty of available.

If you want to build it as a US Version from the Vietnam period, you should at least replace the jerry cans. These have a handle with a style on this model, but there must be 3. Replace or modify.
The model has quite a few ejection markings. If you want to build the model including the interior, you will have to get rid of many of those markings because otherwise they are visible.
The periscopes of this dated model are casted as one plastic part both inside and outside. So, no clear plastic parts. You can simulate them by working with "silver" paint and finishing with gloss lacquer or UV resin. For the brave among us, carefully drilling all the way out is an alternative option. I looked at Scalemates but couldn't find a replacement with clear parts.

The included plastic (not even rubber) tracks are out of date as to current modelling practices. Of course, if you don't want to spend any further money on your model and build it out of the box, you can use them. However, my choice would be to look for a replacement for the version you want to build with the aftermarket products. There are plenty of them. Point of attention are the two sprocket wheels. Its teeth are too thick and are unlikely to fall into the recesses of new tracks. Adjust this in advance and work them if necessary.
Of the side skirts, the largest middle section is made of rubber. With the model they are hard plastic. You can fake this with paint and weathering and shading, but also by using thin copper plate or thicker aluminum foil (butcher trays). The movement of the rubber is then better shown.

The included decal sheet is good, a bit on the thick side, but that can be remedied with Microset and Microsol or related products. It offers the possibility for a US Army version or a German Bundeswehr version. For the interior design, it also gives the necessary decals.

The building description is good and sufficiently extensive to be able to easily build the model. All 4 injection molded frames with the parts are shown. Some extra pictures to clarify things. For the builders who appreciate this, there is also a Japanese building description. Tamiya has included a Tech Tips sheet that shows the basics of model making, fun and useful for beginning builders.

Conclusion
A good model, especially for the age, almost 50 years, of the well-known Tamiya quality.
The model is fine to build straight out of the box, but you can also go all out as a super detailer, as a scratch builder and with the help of the many aftermarket products, including those of Sylly's Mini Models, products with which the many different versions can be built. The included figures require some attention. Decal sheet is good, a bit on the thick side. The building description provides for a clear complete construction. Ideal for conversion.

I myself had one in my stock, indeed, bought it about 40 years ago, but never got around to build it. With all the Royal Netherlands Army conversions out there now, I've bought two more kits, one of which is being converted to YPR8061A ARV anyway!