Preview: A New Set of Vietnam-era APCs. Stowage & Soldiers in 35th Scale from Takom

Takom has four new kits with a heavy red dirt of Vietnam theme in their latest sets. M113A1, the M577A1, stowage & soldiers in our new item preview...

Preview: A New Set of Vietnam-era APCs. Stowage & Soldiers in 35th Scale from Takom

M113A1/M113A1 ACAV

From Takom

1/35th scale

Kit no. #2215

The Subject:

The M113A1 Armoured Cavalry Assault Vehicle (ACAV) was a heavily modified variant of the standard American personnel carrier, optimised for the intense, close-quarters counter-insurgency warfare of the Vietnam War. Swapping its original petrol engine for a more reliable 6V53 Detroit Diesel, this upgraded model significantly reduced catastrophic hull fire risks while improving operational range. 

The ACAV configuration specifically transformed the vehicle from a simple battlefield "battle taxi" into an aggressive, front-line shock platform by adding a circular armoured gun shield around the commander's 50-calibre machine gun, two flank-mounted M60 machine guns with protective gun shields for the infantrymen, and robust belly armour to withstand devastating landmine detonations.

The kit:

2-in-1 Variant Options : This kit is a "2-in-1" boxing that provides all the necessary components to build one of two distinct vehicle variants. Modellers can choose between the standard M113A1 Armoured Personnel Carrier configuration or the heavily up-armed M113A1 ACAV (Armoured Cavalry Assault Vehicle) variant used for aggressive reconnaissance and convoy escort.

CADs showing the features of the kit include
Posable Hatches and Rear Ramp – The kit allows modellers to build all major entry points in either an open or closed position. This includes the prominent rear cargo ramp, the smaller integrated crew door, the top rectangular cargo hatch, and the commander’s cupola. Choosing the open configuration lets you display internal details that are normally hidden.

Highly Detailed Interior and Tracks: The M113A1 features a complete interior layout, replicating the troop compartment seating, commander's station, and internal bulkheads. To replicate the vehicle's movement system, the kit uses "link and length" style plastic tracks, which combine long straight segments with individual links to accurately capture natural track sag over the road wheels.

Mixed-Media Detail Parts: The kit integrates specialised multimedia components alongside standard plastic to maximise realism. Photo-etched (PE) metal parts are utilised for fine details like the engine deck grilles and headlight brush guards. Additionally, clear plastic parts are supplied for realistic periscopes and vision blocks around the commander's cupola.

A Sculpted Crew Figure: The package includes a realistic crew member figure sculpted by Jason. The figure is depicted wearing historically accurate Vietnam-era gear, including a combat vehicle crewman (CVC) helmet with a boom microphone, goggles, a ballistic fragmentation vest, and standard combat boots, making it perfect for adding a sense of scale to a diorama.

Weapon Systems and Trim Vane Options: The kit provides modular components for the vehicle's offensive and defensive layouts. It features a detailed. 50-calibre machine gun station with options for different gun shield assemblies, alongside secondary M60 machine guns. Additionally, the front trim vane can be modelled either extended in its water-fording position or folded flat against the hull.

M577A1 Command Post Carrier 2-in-1 

From Takom

1/35th scale

Kit no. #2216 

The Subject:

The M577A1 Command Post Carrier, developed by the FMC Corporation as a specialised variant of the M113 armoured personnel carrier, served as a vital mobile tactical operations centre and artillery Fire Direction Centre (FDC) during the Vietnam War. Distinguished by its distinctively raised upper hull designed to allow staff personnel to stand upright and featuring a roof-mounted auxiliary power unit (APU) to run heavy communications equipment, this unarmed aluminium vehicle provided a protected workspace for battlefield coordination. 

M577 FDC of the 3/13rd Artillery at Cu Chi base camp in Vietnam, 67'-69'

The A1 configuration upgraded the vehicle with a Detroit Diesel engine, which vastly improved fuel efficiency and reduced the battlefield fire hazards associated with the original petrol engines. Operating in the dense terrain of South Vietnam alongside both US and allied forces—such as the Australian Army's cavalry regiments—the carrier was frequently paired with a rear-deployable canvas tent extension to link multiple vehicles into larger, static field headquarters

The kit:

CADs showing the features of the kit include:
Rear Tent Stowage and Trim Vane Options : The model offers versatile positioning for the vehicle's unique mission gear, including the large, rolled command tent assembly that mounts directly over the rear cargo door. Up front, the heavy trim vane mechanism is fully posable, letting modellers secure it flat against the hull glacis plate or swing it forward into its active water-fording orientation.

Multimedia Detail Upgrade Parts : Realism is enhanced through a thoughtful mix of materials provided in the box. Photo-etched (PE) metal frets supply the finely patterned mesh for the engine grilles, detailed tie-down straps, and the protective shroud over the generator. Clear plastic parts are also integrated to form highly defined, realistic periscope lenses and driver vision blocks.

Posable Access Hatches and Removable Generator: The hull features multiple functional assembly choices, including a rear cargo ramp and integrated access door that can be glued open to reveal the workspace inside. On the upper deck, the crew hatches can be left open, and the prominent external auxiliary generator box is engineered as an independent module that can be displayed separately from the vehicle.

Complex Interior Layout and Link-and-Length Tracks : A comprehensive interior layout replicates the intensive electronic and communication systems of the real command post, complete with map tables, radio racks, and internal bulkheads. Underneath, the kit supplies link-and-length-style tracks—combining individual links with solid straight runs—to capture the natural sag of the heavy metal tracks over the suspension.

M113A1/M113A1 ACAV APC Equipment & Storage Set Vietnam Era

From Takom

1/35th scale

Kit no. #2217

The kit:

CADs showing the features of this set include a variety of standard-issue US military personal gear from the Vietnam War era. For individual soldier equipment, the kit features four standard M1 steel combat helmets, four M1956 water canteens with their distinctive covers, and three M1956 canvas field packs, which are commonly referred to as "butt packs". Additionally, the set provides four large military duffel bags used for bulk gear storage and two pieces of folded or rolled field clothing.

M113A1/M113A1 ACAV APC Infantrymen Vietnam Era 3D-printed parts

From Takom

1/35th scale

Three figures, made from 3D-printed resin

Kit no. #2900

The kit:

CADs showing the features of the figures in this kit include the three GIs with relaxed poses, seen suitable for any Vietnamese scenario, and here designed to fit onto the deck of your new APC. Timely, huh! All three have pretty standard gear for US soldiers in this theatre: M1 helmets and M16s, a bamfdolier over their chest with spare ammo and a drinking flask attached to their battle dress. All we need is some cigarettes in the helmet with war/peace writing on it for the full authentic look!

That is all we have about this kit so far—you can see more on the Takom Facebook page...