Australian Military Vehicles Review

Review of Osprey Modelling "Modelling the M113 Series" by Graeme Davison

  The book consists of 80 pages of full colour covering 4 projects.  Graeme commences with a kit bash - combining two kits to make a new version.  Graeme goes to some lengths to do a step by step description of each projects.  this is ably supported by many close up photos both before and after painting.  As the projects continue they become more difficult and more specialist techniques are used.

There are many interesting techniques used and the ones I found particularly of interest were the those referring to painting and finishes.

Further reading section includes books, websites, M113 museums, kits available and a section on M113 nomenclature.  It was disappointing to see that some of the Australian nomenclature was incorrect and the available list of kit conversion parts (especially the Australian ones) were incomplete.

In talking to some other m113 enthusiasts at the local model club who have had a chance to look at the book, there was a general feeling that some of the classic versions should have but were not covered - such as a US ACAV, an IDF and Australian T50 turreted versions.  Perhaps if they were not covered as full conversions then as walkarounds of completed projects.

As there have been over 60,000 M113 produced over the years it would be difficult to please all M113 enthusiasts in 80 pages.  The book is worth buying for the techniques alone.