I'm looking at diorama possibilities for the 4th Marine Division on Saipan (where my father earned his Purple Heart). Does anyone have a list of possible tanks and LVTs present?

Sources for unit markings?

In terms of model kits, I'm looking at the various Italeri LVT models (6462, 6384), and Shermans (ITA 6389, Academy 13203 and the new Dragon 6462). Suggestions?

Finally, the pickings among the enemy vehicles seems pretty slim. Does anyone have information about which Japanese tanks were present and their units/markings? The only Japanese tank models I've run across are Tamiya and they seem to be discontinued or at least available only from Asian retailers.

Bill

Here's an Album of photos from the Saipan battle

http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/album36?page=1

Unfortunately, this is the way it is. German WW2 armor sells, Japanese WW2 armor not so much. For WW2 Japanese tanks in injected styrene, I think your only other choice is Fine Molds. I usually just order them from Hobby Link Japan.

Thanks for the link to the photos. Anyone, though, have detailed information on what tanks were used by both sides?

[quote]Unfortunately, this is the way it is. German WW2 armor sells, Japanese WW2 armor not so much. For WW2 Japanese tanks in injected styrene, I think your only other choice is Fine Molds. I usually just order them from Hobby Link Japan.[quote]
Yeah, I get that. "The marketplace" and all. Thanks for the information.

Both the Tamiya and Fine Molds Type 97 Shinhoto have markings for the 9th Tank Regiment on Saipan.

David

Thanks, David! Anyone care to step forward for the Marine tanks? Fourth Marine Division, boys.

Think I've posted this before, but the USMC tanks in this discussion sport some very odd applique armour

http://disc.yourwebapps.com/discussion.cgi?disc=149620;article=10005;title=TarawaTalk

David

You can also trawl Missing Links and Hard Corps Models sites for more, found this pic in a thread on ML

http://www.network54.com/Forum/47208/thread/1102371848/

David

Thanks, David, both quite interesting. Anyone have references for USMC tanks on Saipan for type of Sherman, LVT, etc.?

Bill,

The 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions sported M4A2 Shermans, M5A1 Light tanks and M3 Stuarts converted to "Satan" Flame Tanks...LVT-2's and LVT(A)1s were used for the landings...

A good reference is the USMC Monograph on Saipan, which you can find at this link
Saipan Monograph

Hope this helps,

S/F

Pat

That's perfect. I was wondering if the LVT-(A)4 was introduced in time for the landings.

Is there a model or conversion for the Stuart "Satan" anyone knows of?

I just came across this discussion and my info is a little late. The LVT(a)4 was used at Saipan. There are some photos at www.worldwar2database.com in their slideviewer under Saipan. Also check www.hyperwar.com. You can pull up the Marianas campaign which lists the battle account day by day and has included photos.

Thanks, Russ! But that means more kits to buy!! LOL

Here's a link to the Marine Corps Historical Center, there is the official history of the Marianas Campaign in .Pdf format and you can download all the volumes (think 'green books' at the Army's historical center). There is quite a bit of info here from World War II thru Vietnam.

http://www.usmc.mil/directiv.nsf/HISTORICAL?openview&Start=1&Count=1000&ExpandView

That's a great site! Notice, too, "ALLIGATORS, BUFFALOES, AND BUSHMASTERS: THE HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LVT THROUGH WORLD WAR II."