72nd LCM(3), Trumpeter or Dragon?

Hi Phil, you obiously saw the same review I did on the Dragon kit. I just found this site on the Trumpeter kit. Hopefully it will answer your questions. Personally I think I would prefer the option of the full hull. You can always adapt it to your diorama later but its harder to do it the other way around.

http://cybermodeler.com/hobby/reviews/kit/kit_tru_72lcm3.shtml

I recently purchased the Dragon kit and am impressed with it so far (just an open the box and drool on the sprues review so far). The biggest bonus to me are the figures. Decent, non-soft plastic 1/72 scale infantry figures are hard to come by-so I am happy to get the new kit with the bonus features. The base is a vacum form-clear piece with not a lot of detail-but it is usable. Will probably build my own as well and add the Airfix LCVP and maybe a 1/72 Sherman or Jeep as well. The Dragon kit comes with decals for Normandy and Iwo Jima as well.

Dave Henning

I can't wait to see the many conversions and kit bashed projects that will be done with these kits.

I just wish someone would do a different version.

I would love to see one of these companies do a Monitor in Vietnam.

QUOTE: Originally posted by philp I just wish someone would do a different version. I would love to see one of these companies do a Monitor in Vietnam.

Hi Philp,
But with these kits there are several different "Riverine" subjects that can be easily kit bashed. I will tackle one when I get the kit.

You will have to stretch the hull as I believe the Monitor was based on the LCM(5).
I am thinking about the same thing. Know there was a resin kit of the Monitor and several other Riverine craft in 72nd but they were expensive.

Hi Philp,
You are correct the hull were a little longer (56') if I remember right. Most were LCM(6)
conversions. But with the Monitor & "Zippos" you need to build a Bow so the added length is an easier verture. I just bought the Dragon Kit which is fine for the conversion. ( Waterline Hull).. I spent some time on a "Tango Boat" ( ATC) These were of mixed origin. A few were LCM 3s but most were 5s and 6s. Every variation and manner imaginable.. Some with Re bar ( Grenade Screens) some with out and some with sandbags for added protection to upper hulls. I was aboard when we handed ours over to the RVN in 70.
Try this site for added photos and reference
http://www.rivervet.com/boats.htm .

Butchy,
Thanks for the link. Looking forward to seeing your builds.
Any idea on what to use for re bar in 72nd scale?

Hi Philp,
I was thinking about "knerling" plastic rod. By using a tool with close chisels in it and rolling the plastic stock on it.. I also thought about using paper clips but they're too much work for a whole boat .. & a little on the large side for 1/72. I'll post when I find a meathod to impress on the plastic rod..

Butch,
Found another good Brown Water Navy site.
http://brownwater-navy.com/vietnam/
I have a friend who scratchbuilt one in 35th and used fencing for the rebar. Wonder if there are any products in the HO or N scale areas that would look good?

Hi Phil,
Hey thanks for the link to a wonderful site.. I have a friend who told me about this site and organization. I have yet to locate it until now.. ThankYou..
I'll check at LHS which has a huge HO railroad dept.. Also check out Walters Catalog.
I'm getting motivated about doing this now.. Looks like That Liberty Ship project I was planning on doing this winter is gonna go back on the shelf for a while.
Oh the joys of modeling.
I'll post if I find anything

Scratch built a 1/48th ATC several years ago and used Plastruct angle iron and .020" brass wire for the rebar. Looked good for 1/48 scale. Since then, I have found the small diameter plastic rod from Evergreen. Think the smallest there is .020", but it could be stretched out a little more. Working with the plastic rod would have been a lot easier than cutting thousands of pieces of brass rod.