Here is the Italeri kit built nearly OOTB. It represents a late production LVT4.

I scratchbuilt one of the waterguards with plasticard. It's not as thin as it should be but it's already far better then the original part.

The MG shields provided by italeri are models I couldn't find on any picture... so I modeled new ones from foil. The shape is the one seen on LVTs at Iwo Jima. For that operation, late prod LVT4s were used.

On the sides sponsons, the protruding rectangle was erased.

last modifications : the front bumper was hollowed at it's ends and the protections of the lights made out of foil.








Don't be afraid to tell me what you like or don't like !

That is some good looking metal work you got going on those MG shields.

It's good to see others using the good old-fashion plastic card and foil. Is that regular brass shim stock, or do we both feed the cats the same brand of cat food?

thanks guys !
It's regular brass sheet.

Looking good !! I don't know very much about these LVT's but thought those benchs were a post war addition by the French ...I might be wrong here so please take it with a grain of salt ..
Great job with the shields and water guards. Keep up the good work .

Rick

Ciao penpen,
Great job! I have a question for you. I work with baking tin a lot (the type you use to bake in one time and then throw away.) Do you think that brass would be easier to work with than that? If so, where do you procure the brass sheet? Thanks for the help.
Ciao for now
Rob

i like it! once again, good craftsmanship on those mg shields, one question. how are you going to paint those (you are gonna prime the shields aren't you?)

in the last picture, the hole to the left of the sanded down mark, what is that?

looking good!
-mech

Rob, here in the states you can get a small pack of S&K brass shim stock for about 5 bucks at most hobby shops. Pack # 258 if they don't have it, they can order it. Last time I "bought" it it cost me $3.10, but I now get it from work. (we use it to align pumps and motors) and they never miss the scrap pieces.
it comes in a pack containing .001, .002, .003, and .005 thickness. It's stronger than the aluminum in what you are using, and you can cut the .005 with plain old scissors.
You might be able to comshaw some off the base maintance crew...... LOL

I can't wait to see that bad boy painted up.

Hello guys !

the hole : it's a water drain hole !
Water in the cargo area goes down a drain and then it's pumped outside.

About the benches... no idea... the vehicle I saw in a museum had them... but it's a french vehicle !

The foil I use is thicker and much more solid then aluminium foil. That way, it'll keep it's shape better. I cut it with a good pair of scissors.

The model has now received 2 coats of paint : light gray as primer then light OD. Tonight, a coat of sand is coming.

Can't wait to see it finished, looks good....

Don't forget the bilge pump outlet located on the left side near the first upper return roller.