A variant of the M113, known as the fitter’s vehicle, was developed to provide maintenance units with a mobile repair capability in this weight range. This vehicle, or similar serivatives, were used by a variety of armies, including the US and Australia in Vietnam. Further views and information can be found at https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/708261478871137991/ and https://www.flickr.com/photos/zippo132/28704764135, though more detailed information is less available.
The model includes a modified M113 hull to reflect the different top deck arrangement, including the larger and raised hatch. Two variants are provided, a ‘vanilla’ model to reflect the use in the US and Australian armies, and a ‘cluttered’ version representing an Israeli vehicle. The large rear hatch is provided with a separate smaller hatch, and both can be mounted in the open or closed position (see photos in references). The high-capacity hydraulic crane is provided in both stowed and deployed positions, and can be rotated as required. Commander’s hatches are provided in open and closed positions, with similar options for the driver’s position. The rear ramp can be fitted in either the closed or open position, and interior details of the hull are included to represent the hydraulic and stowage arrangements.
Some minor adjustment may be required to fit the track assemblies if the printer does not print the front track shields accurately, but this is easily overcome with a small file. The track assemblies should be printed with the wheel axles horizontal, the ground-contacting tracks on the printer bed, and supports only from the base (Cura setting). The main hull can require some clearing of internal supports to expose the full detail, but judicious probing should permit this to be achieved.
The product is offered for personal, non-commercial use under the Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0).
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