This model is for an eventual diorama I hope to construct that I'd like to call "at the waters edge". I want to depict the first and second waves landing at Saipan. The model is the Italeri LVT(A)-4 kit with some Verlinden goodies and a turret from Tiger Model Designs. The 50cal is from the Academy set with Griffon PE. My first time using oils, the model was base coated with Model Masters rattle can and subsequent gloss and matte layers were also rattle can (how I wish I had an airbrush sometimes). hope you enjoy.









Still some work to do, obviously the tracks and gun need to be painted. I do realize that the markings are not 100% accurate. If Dragon would ever release their Peleliu set I could start working on figures. I'm thinking of mixing in some Warriors and Nemrod Marines as well. The figures in the turret are going to be a pain...

Very nice Chris! look forward to seeing your diorama with this vehicle. Always liked the LVT series of vehicles, but heard that the Italeri kits were kind of dog of a kit, but you seem to squash that rumor..lol

Thanks for the comment, it's been a fun build so far. I've always thought this was one under-represented vehicle in the modeling world. While it's true the Italeri kits aren't great by modern standards, they're pretty easy to put together. The biggest downside to the kit was the turret, hence the complete replacement. And I should have used some other decals than from the kit, from now on I want to use dry-transfers.

Your figures will be just fine, judging by the fine touch of painting you have coated over the model. The weathering is not overwrought, and the model looks hard as steel. This makes me want to be a marine and climb aboard. Please keep us posted on your progress.

Beautiful work, this will look awesome in a Pacific diorama!

When these were firing in support of a beach landing, did they just chuck the empty shell casing out the top of the turret? I'll be starting the dio once my figures arrive and was thinking of littering the area area around the amtank with some shell casing.