1:35 M-113

The real subject

The M113 is an American tracked armored personnel carrier whose hull is welded from aluminum plates. Its light box-shaped structure gave it a low weight, thanks to which the vehicle is able to swim, and a rear drop ramp lets a squad get out under cover. It was exactly this simplicity and the low demands on maintenance that made it one of the most widespread armored vehicles of its day: it served with dozens of armies and became the basis for a whole range of derived variants.

What the set offers

Photo-etched metal parts in 1:35 scale meant to complete a model of this vehicle. Flat parts of thin sheet replace the plastic ones, which have to be thicker than they would be in reality for the sake of manufacturing technology. This shows most on the edges, the grilles and the small outer equipment, where the difference in thickness is obvious at first glance. The make-up of the parts and their placement is described by the manufacturer's instructions.

• 1:35 scale
• photo-etched metal parts
• the real subject is the M113 carrier
• an accessory for a kit, not a stand-alone model

Building and painting tips

Separate the parts with a sharp blade on a hard surface and hold them with tweezers as you do, so that they do not fly off. Make the bend against a straight edge along the whole length at once. They are glued with a tiny amount of super glue or with epoxy, which gives you time to line them up. Degrease the metal before painting and spray it with a base coat, otherwise the paint rubs off during further work.

Who it is for

For modelers of postwar and modern equipment who are bothered by unnaturally thick plastic edges on a finished vehicle. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.