Tongde M113A1 ACAV Detailing

[tdriver113]

I purchased the all metal pre painted version of this model with the idea of just running it as is without any modifications that I would do on previous RC models. I thought it would be a welcome break from all the work tearing something apart to make a more accurate model. This worked really well for a while until I came across a thread on M113 modifications on the rctankwarfare UK site. Several gentlemen there have posted their efforts at detailing various M113 RC models. And I was hooked. Again. The Tongde kit is overall a great running setup but there were several minor things about the model that were annoying. The .50 cal MG shield mount kept falling apart. The rear M60 MG shields were a little wobbly and not sitting at the right angle. The ACAV turret had some interesting features that didn't accurately resemble the real thing.

So off I go with some detailing using the Andy's Hobby M113A1 kit for a parts donor.

[tdriver113]

First thing I did was strip down the hull and remove all the speaker, main board, smoker, and related wiring. Also removed the turret mechanism and cut down all the mounting points.

[tdriver113]

Next, I test fitted the various parts from the AHHQ kit. This included hull sponson top and side covers where the rear seating and other parts are attached. Also test fit the firewall between the engine and crew compartment and the hull floor access plates to see what needed to be trimmed or cut down to fit.

[tdriver113]

I cut down the kit side wall to fit between the firewall and the rear panel on the right side. This also shows the seating attachment panel on the side of the hull. And a test fit of the battery box to see how much of the rear support bracket needs to be trimmed.

[tdriver113]

I cut down and fitted the side panel on the drivers side. Test fitted the seating panel on the lower hull and the fuel tank. The fuel tank was notched to retain the original rear panel support bracket. This shows the side panel extended all the way to the front, but I found it did not fit with the actual hull dimensions. I cut it back to the firewall area in anticipation of mounting the battery there instead. First plan is to put the speaker in the fuel tank. More on that later.

[tdriver113]

With everything test fitted and checked for clearance I started to permanently attach the parts, starting with the firewall. I set it forward as far as I could next to the motors. It was shimmed on the bottom and braced with a piece to help support the floor panel.