M113A2 Ambulance Operation Iraqi Freedom 'Thunder Run'

[Deleted]

I'm building this M113A2 Ambulance for the 'Thunder Run' display at Ft. Stewart that you have seen mentioned here previously.

US Army M113A2 Ambulance used in the first 'Thunder Run' conducted by Task Force 1–64 Armor of the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division, 2nd Brigade on April 5th, 2003.

Below are images of the items I'm using to complete the build. The need for more accessories will probably be identified as the project progresses.













Here is the progress made so far.

In this photo I filled in the alignment holes for kit periscope guards in preparation for installing periscope guards from the PE set.


Here the holes are filled in and excess removed. Some PE is in place on the drivers hatch.


In this image, the PE periscope guards are in place. I have added a resin antennae base.


More PE work completed.


This photo shows the beginning of work on the rear ramp. You can see the difference between the PE tow cable 'keeper' and the kit molded 'keeper' that the tow cable goes around.


These next two shots show the completed rear ramp. I used an extra PE power socket from a HMMWV PE set to replace the molded on power socket that is to the right of the tow pintle.

[deafpanzer]

Looks like a fun build to follow... nice aftermarket stuff! Please count me in...

[wbill76]

Very cool project, nice progress so far with the detailing and other bits.

[TRM]

Interesting all the way!! Love the pile of goodies...keep up the good work!!

[Leon]

Count me in.Great looking detail goodies you have there.

[Deleted]

nice stuff!

[Deleted]

Here I have completed the preliminary assembly of the commanders cupola.





The holes on the right side of the cupola hatch interior are filled and smooth. I used CA glue as the filler and it appears translucent when sanded.







This is the best I could do with the hatch locking mechanism. It doesn't look to bad but probably could have been done better by someone with more experience.

[Leon]

Nice work on the cupola and hatch.Looking forward to your next update.

[adampolo13]

Making fast work of this! Looking great!

[Deleted]

Well, I finally have the preliminary detailing and assembly of the top deck completed of the M113 Ambulance. I did not replacet the tie-downs right behind the rear hatch because that area will be covered by stowage.

[robbo]

Now that is some very nice PE work mate, you got the makings of a very nice build here. Has the ambulance version got the gun turret too??

[deafpanzer]

Fantastic PE work... it sure brings out details.

[Deleted]

great work nice and tidy

[Deleted]

Looking forward to seeing more.

[wing_nut]

Having done a build with a gazillion tie dows like that i know what a chore that is. And you did a cracker jack job. Now tell the truth...ya needed a couple of shots after that, didn't ya? Booze... morphine... your choice.

[Leon]

Agree with the guys,fantastic PE work .Looking forward to your next update.

[Deleted]

I'm finally getting back to the bench and hope to start making rapid progress on this build.

Here is the left rear water can installed.


Here is preliminary kit modification and strap work for the right water can.


Left and right water can installed on the ambulance. Rear ramp is held on with some handi-tak for the photo. I took a little bit of artistic license and tried to make the straps look like they were dangling a bit. I'm pretty much happy with the result.

[deafpanzer]

It is great that you are back. Great work on jerry can holders!

[dupes]

Damn, man...that is some fine looking etch work!

[wbill76]

Nice to see this one moving again, PE work on the rear is looking good.

[Deleted]

Small update tonight.

I put on the rear ramp, the top deck and began work on the front plate and engine compartment cover.





In this photo, I have filled holes for the kit headlights and lifting ring. The kit headlights will be replaced by a combination photoetch and kit part assembly. The lifting ring is being relocated.

[Deleted]

very nice work on the model all that etch would drive me mad!

[heico]

That's a lot of small PE work. I'd probably go nuts...

[Deleted]

I had decided to try and convert the kit light assemblies to use the photoetch parts in the Eduard set. I recommend against making this modification unless you just absolutely feel like doing it. The amount of work required and potential of really messing up your project isn't worth the risk in my opinion. To make the light assembly using the Eduard parts, you have to cut up the light assemblies provided in the kit. Once you start cutting off light bodies from the kit part, there is no turning back.

In my haste to make some progress I had put the lightguard on backwards. Fortunately, Gino gave me a reality check and pointed out my error to me. Additionally, the pe lightguards sit way too high. Here is the photo of the initial backward installation of the light guard which also shows the excessive lightguard height.


I removed the PE lightguard, trimmed the part down on both sides and reinstalled it facing the correct direction. This reduced the excessive height to what I think is acceptable. I added a couple of resin bolt heads to replace the lost pe bolt details.


I'm looking for some opinions on how this headlight assembly looks before I proceed to the next side. If it looks ok, I will trim the headlight guard on the other side to match heights.

Overall, I think the lightguard still stands a little too tall but I think I'm stuck with this assembly like it is. If I trim the lightguard down any more, it won't line up very well with the headlight base.

[Deleted]

Thanks for the compliments guys. This project is taking into deeper detail than I normally go.

Got a little more work done tonight.


I tried to replicate the spare track retaining bolts by punching out a couple of sheet styrene disks to replicate the retaining washers and I used CMK .6mm boltheads to replicate the bolts. However, after seeing this photo



I will need to buy some smaller boltheads and replace what I put on.

[tobias5555]

Very cool work on the small Details.

[Leon]

Looking really good MM.Nice PE work all around.

[Deleted]

I can only say what others have said, that's some great PE work.

[Deleted]

I have the front top glacis assembly done now I think. The swim vane is held on by handi-tak. I won't glue it on till later. I still have to do the lower front hull and the top of the engine area now. I replaced the CMK boltheads on the spare track with some Alliance Model Works PE hex boltheads. I think it looks much better. Let me know if you have any comments or criticisms. Thanks!

[Mence]

Fine detailing looks excellent, remind me to send all my PE work to you!