This depicts an LVT2 of 3D Amphibian Tractor Battalion during Operation Detachment. The kit is Italeri’s 1/35 LVT2 but, it is loaded with every chunk of AM I could get my grubby little paws on – laundry list below photos. I learned a lot of lessons from this build that I will be able to use on the remaining platoon or so of LVTs that I have in the stash. Probable the most time consuming portion was assembling AFV Club’s LVT Track (Workable) which resembles the real thing so well I will have to use it on a future build. Unfortunately fitting it to Italeri’s kit was apparently not AFV Club’s intent, the teeth on the drive and idle sprockets had to be removed from the portion that was in contact with the track –learned after assemble of tracks and hull for that added challenge, and I wound up breaking both sides in a couple spots. Lesson learned for next build. I have Fruilmodel sets for the LVT too but, they will be hard pressed to mimic the rackety appearance that AFV has captured so well. I drilled each of the nubs on the cab and replaced them with countersunk screw heads, replaced the engine deck nubs and replaced them with bolt heads. Although not readily visible I put a full interior, using Verlinden’s LVT4 interior but trimmed, cut and sanded to fit. If I use another of these I will do more work as it is not well done and only captures an LVT interior in basic shapes. I used Bison Decals which required me to do additional work on the side cab armor. I had initially installed and painted the Eduard provided armor but found that the decals were too long, so I took the set from the TRAKZ resin set and spliced in a section to the appropriate length. I know figures would add much to the model but that is a subject I haven't got much experience with and once the cab was secured it was pretty much a sealed no figure deal.
My next LVT will be a P7 for the Orphaned Armor GB but will not be quite this involved. Time to head back to my Mustang for the Braille GB.
http://s10.photobucket.com/user/deattilio/slideshow/Models/LVT2%20Iwo%20Jima
AFV Club LVT Track (Workable)
AK Interactive Headlights/Taillights
Bison Decals LVT2 and LVTA2 on Iwo Jima
Eduard LVT-(A)1 PE set –for armored engine deck vents
Eduard LVT-2 PE set
Eduard LVT-2 Floor Plate
Eduard LVT-2 Louver Bulkhead
Eureka Tow Cable for M4 Sherman
RB Models 2m Antenna
RB Models Browning M2
Tamiya Allied Vehicle Accessory Set
TMD Large Shackles
TRAKZ LVTA2 Detail Set – for side armor
Verlinden US Small Arms Ammo Boxes
Verlinden Cal.30 & Cal.50 Ammo Cases
Verlinden LVT-4 Update Set – for interior
Verlinden Bolts Screws and Fasteners
Voyager Model LVT-4 PE basic – for machinegun shields
Voyager Model US M1919 Machine Gun