1:35 FUEL TANK FOR M113 FAMILY, AFV CLUB KIT

Fuel tank for the M113 family in 1:35 scale — ELEFANT

This is not a model of the vehicle but a part of it: a fuel tank for the vehicles of the M113 family. The box states that it is cut for the AFV Club kit. The ELEFANT brand makes a range of resin add-ons and turned parts for military models. On the M113 the external tanks are among the parts that are prominently visible on the vehicle, so it pays to have them crisply shaped.

The real subject

The M113 is an American tracked armored personnel carrier of aluminum armor, introduced at the start of the 1960s and built in enormous numbers. That is precisely why a whole family of vehicles came about: command, ambulance, mortar carrier, anti-tank and engineer forms. On the later versions the external fuel tanks moved from inside the hull to the rear wall, which enlarged the interior space and at the same time protected the crew from the consequences of a hit on a tank. For a model that means a prominent feature at the rear of the vehicle.

Building and painting tips

Wash the resin part clean of any mold release agent, cut off the casting block and sand the marks down with respiratory protection. It is glued with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue), and before painting apply a primer. Glue the tank on before you lay down the base color, so that the spray covers the joint. The rear of the vehicle holds the most dust and exhaust deposits, so a darker wash and fine streaks belong here. Only suggest the lettering on the tank; at this scale the writing is not read.

Who the part is for

• modelers of American equipment in 1:35 scale
• builds of vehicles of the M113 family
• builds from AFV Club kits
• more experienced modelers who work with resin

The package holds a replacement part only. The kit, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.