I finally finished Dragon’s 1/72 LVT4 as an AmTrac of 2nd Amphibian Tractor Battalion that landed on Iheya Jima on 3 June 1945 for the Semper Fi War in the Pacific GB. This was not a simple out-of-the-box build though. The photo showed evidence of having early and late LVT4 items, as such I volunteered one of my LVTA4 kits as a donor for the needed pieces. The tracks proved problematic but, the instructions hinted there would be a potential problem as it stated to stretch if too short or cut if too long – indicator not a precise fit for this kit. Both sides needed stretching and in the process the starboard track broke and needed extra gluing to stay in place. Additionally, word to any future builders, discard piece A20, the bilge discharge pipe as the LVT4 discharged from the bow tube. Overall an easy build if the plan is straight from the box though.
The list of mods:
Replace bow tow hitch with towing eye from LVTA4
Drill bilge discharge ports in bow tube
Add early style mooring cleats to bow, port and starboard
Add handle to bow forward of late style mooring cleat
Reduce height of headlight guards
Used wire for antenna
Replace cab glacis with visor type from LVTA4
Move a-driver hatch forward in line with driver’s hatch
Scratch built round gun shields, used 1/35 PE and scaled down
Added blank sheet to interior of cargo area to avoid plain walls
Added lifting eyes from LVTA4 to cargo area of LVT4
Add early style mooring cleats to stern, port and starboard
Moved stern late style mooring cleats inboard
Inspiration for the build:
And the efforts:
The AmTracs in the background are taking their turn at the hobby desk as well. The LVTA4s represent each an LVTA4 from 2nd Armored Amphibian Tractor Bn at Iwo Jima 1945, 1st Armored Amphibian Tractor Bn at Okinawa 1945, Landing Vehicle Tractor School 1953 and the AAV is from 3rd Assault Amphibian Bn 2007 and being completed as a waterline build.