Tongde M113A1 ACAV Detailing

[tdriver113]

I'm using the M2 gun shield from the AHHQ kit because it has the mounting bracket already and fits with a little modification.








For the M60 side mounts I used the Tongde parts. The AHHQ kit parts are too fragile to use on a RC vehicle. I cut back the bottom corners so the shields could be angled back, instead of sitting straight up. Plastic reinforcements were added to make a more solid connection. Not to scale but I wanted something solid to hold up to handling.

[rb67mustang]

The original plan was to place the main board in the front above the drive motors. The speaker is mounted in the fuel tank and a new smaller battery from Motion RC fits up in the driver seat area. I removed the smoke generator and the turret traverse box. The turret on a real M113 is not motorized, and I needed the room.

After some testing of this setup I think I am going to change it to a modular piece. When you are running this around, you don't see anything inside unless you leave the cargo hatch open. I'm going to make a second floor setup that mounts the main board, speaker, battery, and maybe the smoke generator for running and then swap in the detailed parts for display.

That sounds like the best of both worlds!!!

[tdriver113]

Next I added the MG ammunition feed tray parts and the front hinged plates. After adding those, the reinforcement pieces and the M60, the original mounting tab was overloaded. I cut the pin off, drilled out the same spot and added a M2mm screw and a nut to make a firmer mount.










Now even with the M60 the shield bottom plate is straight and movable.

[tdriver113]

That sounds like the best of both worlds!!!

I did a test fit of the leftover hull floor section from the AHHQ kit turned into my modular set up. Room for the board, speaker, and my blue tooth speaker so I can play " Fortunate Son " on request.🫡

[rb67mustang]

Next I added the MG ammunition feed tray parts and the front hinged plates. After adding those, the reinforcement pieces and the M60, the original mounting tab was overloaded. I cut the pin off, drilled out the same spot and added a M2mm screw and a nut to make a firmer mount.










Now even with the M60 the shield bottom plate is straight and movable.

Tdirver113, As often as I can, I like to add screws to make what was a static detail become movable details just as you have done here.

[rb67mustang]

Tdriver113, I hope you don't mind me saying this but, I'm thinking, either you're a Vietnam Vet, or maybe your Dad, or an uncle was because of your interest in this specific war. I'm more interested in WW-II because three of my uncles served in WW-II. Another uncle served in the Korean war, my dad was in the US Army during the clod war, and my youngest uncle served in Vietnam. My youngest uncle is the only one still living today, and I've never heard him say what he did in that war. Myself, I was thinking to join the Navy after I graduated High School, but because the High School I attended had a big vocational wing, I had a great job as a Machinist upon graduation. So, I missed out on possibly becoming a Machinist Mate in the US Navy.

[tdriver113]

No, I'm not a Vietnam vet, but I served with a lot of them. I enlisted after high school in 1976. Served as a Combat Engineer in an Armor unit and was a M113A1 driver for 2.5 years. Then I was a heavy equipment operator in a Heavy engineer battalion in the reserves for 6 years. In basic training all the drill sergeants were Vietnam vets and most of the senior Nco's and officers in my first unit were all Vietnam vets. Couldn't have asked for a better group of men to serve with.
This gave me the opportunity to operate or ride in a lot of military vehicles from that era which comes in handy for modeling purposes.

Best Job I Ever Had.

[rb67mustang]

No, I'm not a Vietnam vet, but I served with a lot of them. I enlisted after high school in 1976. Served as a Combat Engineer in an Armor unit and was a M113A1 driver for 2.5 years. Then I was a heavy equipment operator in a Heavy engineer battalion in the reserves for 6 years. In basic training all the drill sergeants were Vietnam vets and most of the senior Nco's and officers in my first unit were all Vietnam vets. Couldn't have asked for a better group of men to serve with.
This gave me the opportunity to operate or ride in a lot of military vehicles from that era which comes in handy for modeling purposes.

Best Job I Ever Had.

WOW!!! Best job you ever had!!!!!!! I wish I could say the same thing. I'm a class of 78 graduate.

Well, at least I thought you may have been an M113 driver, per your screen name.

I may have a great solution for you to create possibly and Decals you need.

I bought a Star paint mask sheet on Ebay. The sheet consisted in three different sizes, and all had the split circles. I didn't want the circles for the 4x4, or my 1/6 M5 Stuart.

This seller had many masks with flames and strip patterns. Maybe this seller could make a custom mask to suit your needs???

I'll check my Ebay purchases, and I'll share a link with you.

[rb67mustang]

Here's the link. SYB1000P Army Star RC Body Vinyl Paint Mask/ Stencil Kit | eBay https://share.google/zTU1Le9JoHzn05FTc

[rb67mustang]

If this seller doesn't do custom masks, here's another possible solution.

Have you ever heard of the Cricut machine? I don't expect you to buy one, but here's a link so you can check it out.
SYB1000P Army Star RC Body Vinyl Paint Mask/ Stencil Kit | eBay https://share.google/zTU1Le9JoHzn05FTc

Possibly someone on Etsy may do custom masks.

If you search Commietube, you'll find tons of videos of guys making custom masks so they can paint on the marking instead of using decals.

Have a great day, Tdriver113!!!