Dragon Models 1:72 Armor Collector Series 60425
FMC Corporation LVT(A)-4 Water Buffalo Display Model
USMC 2nd Armored Amphibian Btn, A21, Iwo Jima, 1945 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| FMC Corporation LVT(A)-4 Water Buffalo | | 4.25" | | 1.75" |
The battle for Iwo Jima, from February 19 to March 26 1945, was one of the fiercest in the whole of the Pacific Campaign. Capturing the isolated volcanic island and its strategically located airfields resulted in the deaths of more than 6,800 Americans, with another 19,000 wounded. Dragon Armor has released a 1/72 scale model of one of the vehicles that participated in the assault of this island. The vehicle is an American LVT(A)-4 amphibious vehicle. As a modification of the LVT(A)-1, the LVT(A)-4 featured a complete turret and M2 or M3 75mm howitzer taken directly from the M8 Gun Motor Carriage (GMC). A total of 1,890 LVT(A)-4 vehicles were manufactured, with many being used at Iwo Jima in 1945. Its 75mm weapon proved effective in attacking Japanese fortifications during amphibious assaults.
The ready-made model is finished in the markings of the 2nd Armored Amphibian Battalion of the US Marine Corps (USMC). The model is resplendent in a colorful three-color camouflage paint finish. The tactical number 'A21' is painted in small white letters on the hull side, as by this stage of the war crewmen didn't want to provide conspicuous aiming points for the enemy! The detail on this LVT(A)-4 is quite stunning, including the open-topped turret and a .50-cal machine gun mounted on it. This LVT is the perfect companion to the LVT(A)-1 released earlier by Dragon Armor.
Designed as a military version of a civillian rescue vehicle (known as the Alligator), the LVT-1 first entered service during WWII. The original civilian model was developed in 1935 by Donald Roebling, who designed it to operate in swampy areas that were inaccessible to cars and boats. The US Marine Corps contracted Roebling to design a more seaworthy version for the military to use as cargo carriers for ship-to-shore operations-the resulting vehicle was so successful that it was also used for assault troop transport and fire support. It could carry 4,500 pounds of cargo or 24 fully-equipped troops and had two .30 cal. Machine guns for supporting fire. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Dragon's 1:72 scale amphibious Landing Vehicle Tracked (LVT) is constructed entirely in diecast plastic for maximum scale detail. Upon close examination, individual weld-bead lines are meticulously replicated throughout the model. The separately applied headlights up front feature lenses with a near glass like quality. Additional details include grappling hooks up front, a rear mounted tow cable and subtle airbrushed weathering effects. Variants in the series include the LVT(A)-1-fitted with a rotating M3 Stuart turret with elevating 37mm gun and two rear-facing rotating machine guns-and the LVV(A)-4, which has a rotating 75mm Howitzer Motor Carriage M8 turret with a 50 caliber machine gun.
© Copyright 2003-2019 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Dragon Models "1:72 Dragon Armor Collector Series" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made plastic models of military vehicles. Dragon Armor tanks require no glueing or painting. Each model is an instant display piece or diorama centerpiece straight from the box and is 100% true to scale... these don't look like model tanks, they look like tanks!. Color, camouflage and unit markings are carefully researched for Maximum authenticity, marking the difference between and authentic scale model tank and a "toy" tank.
Dragon Models "1:72 Dragon Armor Collector Series" display model vehicles feature:
- Molded plastic construction (some releases include diecast metal components).
- Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
- Painted, fitted, non-moving tracks and detailed non-rotating wheels.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Clear acrylic display case to protect model.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
