G'day guys,
got a question about the AAVR7A1 conversion of hobby fan...is possible to attach this conversion to an academy AMTRAC??
can't find any tamiya kit out there for a relativ normal price...
or is the trumpeter or mini hobby models AMTRAC a better one than Academys??
want to build an AMTRAC between 2003 and today

thanks in advance

Alex

Stay away from the Mini Hobby/Trumpeter AAVP7A1--it's a horrible kit. You can read a review of it here.

The biggest problem with that kit is the rear profile of the vehicle has been altered to allow motorization, so it's not the right shape. You would be wasting a very expensive resin update set on a very bad kit, if you ask me.

The Academy LVTP-7 seems to be a good kit, but needs significant updating to get it to match the A1 configuration. Here is a review of it.

Have you tried getting the Tamiya kit through eBay or one of the Asian shops (Luckymodel, etc.)? You might have better luck that way--I got mine from eBay for about US $35 or so.

I hope this helps, and good luck!

Tamiya's is the best. Academy's is a close second. Stay away from the Trumpeter/MiniHobby version, it sucks. The issue with Academy's is that it is an older LVTP7 version, not an LVTP7A1 or an AAVP7A1. The main difference is in the front light clusters and a few different fittings on the hull. Academy's represents a vehicle up through the mid-'80s.

Here is a review of each one from our own Vodnik.

Academy LVTP7

Tamiya AAVP7A1 w/UGWS

Trumpeter/MiniHobby AAVP7A1 w/UGWS

Good luck.

Tamiya AAV7 always turn up on ebay. Failing that just try the private sellers board. The Tamiya one is definately the easiest to work with.

thanks guys....YOU ARE THE BEST

my modelling experiences havent gone so far, began 4 or 5 years ago, most of my models are 1/87

the aarv7a1 from marcel jussen inspired me to ask this...think i fell in love with this model

outstandig work in my opinion

so i think i will try ebay or the selling forum

another question...anyone else of build the kit (with or without the conversions from hobbyfan) ??

cheers

Alex

Alex,
I've had a go at it, can be seen here

Let me look around to see if I can find one and I'll get back to you in a few days.

Joe

g'day guys...here i am again ^^

had the chance to get a lvtp7 of tamiya...
it will reach the modelling desk in a few days won't do an "a fast as possible build" cause it shall become a 2003+ version...
the conversions needed will come piece after piece-sometimes money and modelling wishes can't be combined

mother..saw your build....nice work if you're asking me

got another question: is there a chance to get only the commanders cupola like in hobby-fan's aavr7a1 conversion or a thing like this??

thanks in advance

Alex

You can try posting in the "buy, sell, or trade" forum to see if anyone has a spare turret from the Tamiya AAVP7A1 kit they are willing to sell or trade away. I know a couple of other members got their UGWS turrets this way not too long ago. I don't know if anyone makes the turret as a separate conversion set.