This latest book from the prolific folks at Dataview is a tech reference on the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier. This vehicle is one of the most widely used of the last 30 or so years, first seeing combat in Vietnam and in most other conflicts since.

The book has three basic parts, all taken from official documents. The first section is on the CARC camouflage scheme for the M113 and derivative vehicles. Each scheme is provided in five view drawings with a legend for where each color should be applied.

Next is the meat of the book. These pages are basically sections of the Illustrated Parts Breakdown (IPB) that is used to replace parts. Everything from tracks to engine, to driver's seat to covers for the folding windscreen. It is all there and in easy to follow diagrams showing exactly where on the vehicle these pieces are located. This is perfect for the detail modeler who wants to be sure that all the bits are in the right place and the right shape.

The final section is one of photographs of the M 113 and derivatives in use around the world from Korea to Bosnia.

Overall an excellent modeler's reference and something that is just neat to have. An excellent value for the money and it is also available on CD for Windows at $9.99 plus shipping.

August  2006

Review book courtesy of Dataview. Order yours direct from www.dataviewbooks.com

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