Takom 2216WA – 1/35 M113A1/M113A1 ACAV and M577A1 Command Post with Takom 2900 Figure Set Big Box

Takom 2216WB – 1/35 M113A1/M113A1 ACAV and M577A1 Command Post Carrier with Takom 2900 Infantrymen Big Box combines two complete M113-family vehicle kits with a dedicated Vietnam-era figure set. The package includes Takom 2215, allowing one M113A1 to be built as either a standard APC or an ACAV, the complete Takom 2216 M577A1 Command Post Carrier, and Takom 2900 with three 3D-printed U.S. infantry figures. The verified catalogue reference for this Big Box is TAKOM2216WB.

Historical Context & Theme

The M113 became one of the most important U.S. tracked armored vehicle families of the Cold War. The diesel-powered M113A1 entered U.S. Army service in 1964 and was deployed extensively during the Vietnam War. Its aluminum armor, tracked mobility and rear troop ramp made it highly adaptable to the difficult terrain of Southeast Asia.

Combat experience led American and South Vietnamese forces to modify many M113A1s into Armored Cavalry Assault Vehicles. The ACAV configuration typically added protective gun shields, an M2 .50-caliber machine gun and two M60 machine guns, giving the vehicle substantially greater firepower.

The M577A1 used the same basic vehicle family but featured a raised rear compartment designed for command-and-control work. Its additional internal space could accommodate maps, radios and staff equipment, while several M577s could be connected with tent extensions to form a larger mobile headquarters.

Figure / Vehicle Details & Realism

The first complete kit is the M113A1/M113A1 ACAV 2-in-1. It allows one vehicle to be completed either as a conventional M113A1 armored personnel carrier or as the more heavily armed ACAV. The kit features detailed driver and fighting-compartment interiors, optional open or closed hatches, clear parts, photo-etched details and segmented tracks. Five marking options and one vehicle figure are included.

The second complete vehicle is the M577A1 Command Post Carrier, also featuring detailed interior areas, optional hatches, clear and photo-etched components and segmented tracks. Four marking options are provided.

Takom 2900 adds three Vietnam-era U.S. infantrymen produced as 3D-printed resin figures. Their relaxed poses are designed to work naturally with the M113-series vehicles and are particularly suitable for positioning on or around an APC.

Diorama & Display Use

TAKOM2216WB is particularly well suited to a Vietnam War armored cavalry or command-post diorama. The M113A1 or ACAV can be portrayed on patrol, halted along a track, supporting infantry or operating from a temporary base.

The M577A1 offers a contrasting command-and-control subject and can be displayed with its access points open to emphasize the interior. Placing the three infantrymen around the APC helps create a more natural operational scene and links both vehicles visually within the same display.

Material & Customization

The two vehicles are unassembled 1/35 injection-molded plastic model kits with clear and photo-etched components. The dedicated Takom 2900 figure set contains three 3D-printed figures. Glue and paint are required separately.

Vietnam subjects offer extensive weathering possibilities, including faded Olive Drab, dust, mud, scratches and operational wear. Additional packs, tarpaulins and personal equipment can be added according to period photographs to give each vehicle an individual appearance.

Who It’s For

This Big Box is aimed at Vietnam War modelers, U.S. armor enthusiasts, M113-family collectors, figure painters and diorama builders. The combination of two different vehicles and dedicated infantry makes it especially attractive for modelers planning a complete scene rather than a single standalone vehicle.