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In-Box Review
135
M577A1 Conversion
M577A1 Interior and Exterior Conversion for Academy M113s
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by: Gino P. Quintiliani [ HEAVYARTY ]

Iron Division II is a new resin company that has begun by specializing in M113 / M577 interiors and detail parts. They also have plans for a full resin M37 ¾ ton truck, Bradley interiors and upgrade sets, an update set for the dragon M48A3 Mod B, and some other sets in the planning stages. They are striving to provide the modeler quality resin upgrade and conversion sets and kits at a reasonable price. Their first offering is a conversion set that produces an M577A1 from the Academy M113 models.

This resin set includes about 40 resin pieces with 12 major parts that make up the extended roof and interior of an M577A1. The parts are cast in blemish-free cream-colored resin with little to no flash. All the pieces needed to build the M577 are included. They allow you to build a complete M577 internally and externally.

The interior pieces are cast in large sections with complete walls as one piece so there are no seams on the inside. A large amount of the interior details are already molded onto these wall sections. The internal parts look great. There are smaller parts that include a light box, and internal seating. The floor and fuel tanks are also nicely represented. The only thing missing from the interior are lights and grab handles for the ceiling (not really able to be seen anyways), and supports for the work table (which can easily be made from some pieces of angle iron). The rest of the interior is there, including the ramp pulley!!

The exterior is also very complete with all the upper hull pieces, including a correct M113/577A1 engine cover with intake and exhaust grills with an unarmored radiator cap cover. Also included is a new front glacis plate with headlight mounts, trim vane handle, and spare track pads nicely molded in place. The top hatch, a lifting boom, and a complete generator are also included, along with a rolled up tent extension and poles for the back wall. The smaller exterior pieces include rear tail lights, wire connection blocks, and antenna mounts.

The pieces fit the Academy hull perfectly and there were no issues with the samples I have.

The instructions are clear and concise. Knowing the M577 will help in assembly though as the interior can get a bit complicated. There are no color callouts listed, so reference pictures will be helpful in this area. The standard color on US M577s was/is Seafoam Green. The closest model color is Tamiya Sky-S, you can also find it in a spray can with Krylon’s Pistachio.

Overall this is a great kit. This set allows you to build a very detailed M577A1 at a very reasonable price. I look forward to seeing other sets to come from Iron Division II. Great job and keep them coming.
SUMMARY
Highs: Everythiung you need to make a complete M577. Highly detailed parts of a much sought after vehicle.
Lows: The interior is missing a couple items, but they can be easily made by the averege modler who is up for a full resin conversion like this.
Verdict: A great conversion set. Highly recommended if you want to make a great-looking M577A1. A definite win for Iron Divison 2. Keep them coming!!
Percentage Rating
85%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: BS001
  Suggested Retail: 44.95
  PUBLISHED: Jul 15, 2013
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.79%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 85.00%

About Gino P. Quintiliani (HeavyArty)
FROM: FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

Retired US Army Artillery Officer, currently a contractor at MacDill AFB in the Tampa, FL area. I have been modelling for the past 40+ years, really seriously on armor and large scale helos (1/32, 1/35) for the last 35 or so.

Copyright ©2021 text by Gino P. Quintiliani [ HEAVYARTY ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Darren, thanks for posting the review. Great product.
JUL 15, 2013 - 06:51 AM
Great review ! Cannot wait to get my hands on their upcoming M1059A3 conversion !!
JUL 15, 2013 - 06:20 PM
Question about the Generator...that's not the old 4-deuce is it? No frame or cross members.... This something that came after the mid-to late 90's? The last 577 I had was in Schweinfurt, 1/7 FA ('95-'99), and ours (FDC, S-2, S-3) had the "framed" 4.2. Mike
JUL 16, 2013 - 01:08 PM
It is a 4-duece generator. There are parts in the kit for the frame around the top, they are just not installed in the pics. Like I said, it is a great kit and will build a complete M577A1. I highly recommend it.
JUL 16, 2013 - 01:23 PM
Thanks Gino...missed or misunderstood "complete" generator. Yep, I'll be getting one and a bunch of SINCGARS. Very cool. M
JUL 16, 2013 - 02:09 PM
   
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