Hi
I'am currently building the LCM (3) from Italeri, the kit is going very well & i was planning to depict it in the Iwo Jima version. I would also like to build a sherman to go inside it. I usually make axis vehicles, so dont know much about these landing craft & their loads. I know that there are many versions of shermans & so wondered if anyone could suggest a good 1/35 model that would fit the criteria?

Thanks
Any help will be greatly appreciated!!!

i would have to reccomend the dragon kits the product number is dragon 6462 cheers calvin ng

Here's a review of the kit as mentioned:
http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/dragon/dr6462.html

Iwo Jima and other PTO period pictures

http://www.historylink101.com/wwII_b-w/marines/index.html

HTH
Frenchy

By Iwo Jima the LCM(3) was relegated to landing trucks and equipment. Tank landings were conducted with LSMs (Landing Ship Medium) and LCTs (Landing Craft Tank). Of course, someone will now produce a picture of an LCM(3) delivering a tank to Iwo Jima!

Ed Gilbert, who wrote Marine Corps Tank Battles in the Pacific and Marine Corps Tank Battles in Korea (great books), had this to say on the subject: http://www.network54.com/Forum/47208/message/1136594208/L+series+genealogy

More info: The LCM(3) was very narrow for an M4, leaving about 6 inches of clearance on either side. Though designed to deliver the M4, the LCM(3) was also somewhat overloaded with one aboard, making for difficult handling in rough seas and surf. Finally, the beaches on Iwo Jima are generally steep with strong surf, making tank delivery difficult for smaller craft. Of course, none of these factors stopped the Army and Marines from using them in earlier operations.

In answer to your other question, three USMC tank battalions saw action on Iwo Jima: 3rd, 4th, and 5th.

3rd tank battalion used mid production M4A2s (M4A2(75) VVSS). DML's M4A2 PTO is the best place to start. Their M4A2 Tarawa will also get you there with more work.

4th and 5th tank battalion used late production M4A3s (M4A3(75)w VVSS). There are no really great kits for this one. You could start with a Tamiya M4A3 (frontline breakthrough, I believe), cross kit the DML M4A2 PTO (6462--turret) with the DML M4A3(76)w VVSS (6325--hull), use 6462 with an after-market late M4A3 upper hull, use 6325 with an after-market 75mm late turret (with oval loader's hatch), or some other option. I know, it's confusing.

If you want to model an Iwo Jima tank you should really, really get Tank Warfare on Iwo Jima by David Harper. The Marines on Iwo Jima improvised so much you really need to pick a tank and model it. There is no 'standard' Iwo Jima Sherman.

-Doug

cheers for the info, it seems i need to slightly modify my idea!!!