M113A1/M113A1 ACAV + M577A1 + Infantrymen- BIG BOX

Plastic model kit for a U.S. M113A1/M113A1 ACAV armored personnel carrier, an M577A1 command post vehicle, and U.S. infantrymen
   BIG BOX  

• 1:35 scale
• 2 complete kits + figures
• Kits feature detailed driver and fighting compartment interiors
• Hatches can be assembled open or closed
• Clear parts and photo-etched parts included
• Segmented tracks
• 1 figure (M113A1/M113A1 ACAV), no figure (M577A1)
• Marking options: 5x (M113A1/M113A1 ACAV), 4x (M577A1)
• 3 3D-printed figures
• Unassembled, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The M113A1 was the improved version of the American M113 personnel carrier, entering production in 1964. The most significant change compared to the original M113 was the installation of a 212 hp (158 kW) General Motors 6V53 diesel engine, replacing the gasoline engine.

M113A1
This fully tracked armored transport vehicle, constructed from aluminum, accommodated a crew of two and up to eleven soldiers. Its standard armament consisted of a 12.7 mm M2HB machine gun mounted on the commander's station. The M113A1 saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, where it was used as a personnel carrier, command vehicle, and medical vehicle, among other roles, and served as the basis for numerous specialized variants.

Technical Specifications:

• Crew: 2 + up to 11 personnel
• Engine: GM 6V53, 6-cylinder diesel
• Power: 212 hp / 158 kW
• Combat weight: approx. 10.4 t
• Top speed: approx. 64 km/h
• Waterborne: amphibious, approx. 5.8 km/h
• Armament: 1 × 12.7 mm M2HB

M113A1 ACAV
The M113A1 ACAV (Armored Cavalry Assault Vehicle) was not a completely new M113 variant, but rather a version modified for use by US cavalry and reconnaissance units in Vietnam.

The key changes involved additional armament and improved crew protection. In addition to the central 12.7 mm M2HB, the ACAV was equipped with two side-mounted 7.62 mm M60 machine guns. The M60s were mounted on special supports near the forward side roof hatches and supplemented by small armored shields.

Typical features of the ACAV include:

• 12.7 mm M2HB on the central commander's mount
• 2 × 7.62 mm M60s on the forward sides
• Armored shields for the M60 gunners
• Additional protective measures against shrapnel and small-arms fire
• Frequent field modifications, meaning the vehicles could look quite different from one another in photographs.

M577A1 Command Post Vehicle
The M577A1 is the command post and command vehicle version of the American M113A1. It is based on the same chassis but features a significantly raised, box-like superstructure that provides more interior space for staff and command operations. The M577A1 was introduced in the mid-1960s and deployed by the US armed forces as well as numerous allied armies.

Its distinctive high superstructure provides a spacious working area for command personnel, radio and communications equipment, and map and planning tasks. A separate generator could be used to power the extensive electrical equipment. When stationary, an inflatable or tent-like extension system could be attached to the rear to increase the available workspace.

Technical Specifications

• Crew: Depends on the mission; typically several command/radio personnel
• Engine: General Motors 6V53, 6-cylinder diesel
• Power: 212 hp (158 kW)
• Combat weight: Approx. 11–12 t, depending on equipment
• Top speed: Approx. 64 km/h
• Drive: Tracked
• Water operations: Amphibious
• Armament: Typically 1 × 12.7 mm M2HB machine gun for self-defense