M981 FISTV, Academy 1/35 WIP

[stikpusher]

I started this one a bit over a year ago, as part of a GB with So.Cal.AMPS - a M113 family GB, everything on a M113 chassis qualifies. This is the Academy 1/35 kit. So far it’s been all OOB, aside from adding a section of bendable straw at the base of the hammerhead to replicate that section of optical conduit.













approaching the finish line soon…

[Leon]

Looking good Carlos! I really like the different variations of 113.

[handiabled]

You moved right along with this! Are you going to do in Desert Storm color or?

[stikpusher]

Thanks Leon! The 113 family is pretty big from the basic APC, mortar tracks, command post tracks, to various armament carriers like the Aussie Fire Support Vehicles, US flame thrower “Zippos”, artillery ammo haulers, air defense Chaparral, Vulcan, & Rapier tracks, or even those that carried the Lance tactical battlefield missile. All built around that chassis and drivetrain. The designers sure got the basics right way back when…

Brent, since there is no interior on this kit, the basic hull and turret builds up quick enough. It’s been the Indy link tracks and getting a bendable straw of the right size that’s been holding me up here. We don’t have any kids in the house anymore where I could grab one from their juice boxes like when our kids were little. It’s been a few years since those days… now I’m on the lookout to get some tubing to do the antenna base brush guards over the external fuel cells…. And yes, this will be in Desert Storm Sand color, not in the NATO woodland colors.

[deafpanzer]

That's very unusual looking machine! I look forward to see your magic work on it.

[chromdome35]

Cool vehicle, looking good so far!

[tcoat]

I love's me a good 113 variant. Stik, do you know what those boxes on each side of rear are for?

[dupes]

I love all of the M113 variants. On my "to do" list!

So is finding a selection of bendable straws, now. Genius.

[stikpusher]

Thanks guys!

Andy, it is indeed a unique looking AFV with that turret, although similar turret systems are now seen in many armies around the world.

TC, those are armored external fuel cells on the rear. The internal fuel cell was removed and that area used for more storage space. A little safer for the crew in combat, and I believe slightly more fuel capacity between the two tanks compared to the single internal fuel cell.


Dupes, I’m with you on 113 variants. I still have quite a few more types in my stash to tackle… plus a few more I’d love to add… :

[tcoat]

Mar 12, 2024 11:12:39 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

Thanks guys!

Andy, it is indeed a unique looking AFV with that turret, although similar turret systems are now seen in many armies around the world.

TC, those are armored external fuel cells on the rear. The internal fuel cell was removed and that area used for more storage space. A little safer for the crew in combat, and I believe slightly more fuel capacity between the two tanks compared to the single internal fuel cell.


Dupes, I’m with you on 113 variants. I still have quite a few more types in my stash to tackle… plus a few more I’d love to add… :

Ahhhh that makes sense. 

[kyledehart5]

Hmmm. I’ve been asleep while this has beeen happening I see. That looks nice so far.