Hi all,

I am working on the Academy LVTP-7 and there is a part of the hull where I am pretty sure a part goes, but I cannot find anything in the directions to tell me what belongs.

In the attached photo, it is where the arrow is pointing to. If I don't have something there, it is open to the inside.



Thanks.

fire handle
http://data4.primeportal.net/apc/jeff_derosa/aav-7/images/aav-7_26_of_63.jpg


http://data3.primeportal.net/apc/chiou_cheng_wen/aav7/images/aav7_3_of_5.jpg

That is the location of the external emergency fire pull handle. There should not be a hole in the hull and Academy and Tamiya managed to provide us with an additional challenge. I plugged it from the inside and then filled the hole on my last couple builds. However, for my next build I will cut away the housing to make the hull flush and then reattach the housing. Eduard supplies a fire pull handle in their PE set for Academy’s P7.
I recently finished this kit in the markings of an LVTP7 of the Royal Thai Marines. I say finished but I still need to fabricate a periscope for the troop commander as I do not like how it is represented in the kit. I have ridded my stash of the Academy and Tamiya kits and have replaced them with the Hobby Boss kits and look forward to having time to start one of those. At the moment I am working on a Master’s Degree and taking three courses per semester so there is no time in the budget for anything that resembles fun. Oh for summer to arrive.
Looking forward to the progress on your track.

Frank and Daniel,

Thanks for the replies. The photos were helpful Daniel. I think I will scratch something up!

BTW, Frank nice build!

John

Here are a couple quick update shots. Had to raid a Tamiya kit for a repacement hatch hinge and make a rear upper hinge too (carpet monster). BTW, got a sheet of styrene behind that fire pull. Just need to fabricate something for the handle now...

Very cool, attached is a close-up of the fire pull handle. It is nothing more than a “T” handle although in this photo it sort of leaned over.

Thanks Daniel. Very helpful!

A bit of progress:

She is sitting on her suspension now (wheels assembled but not on):


Using this stuff to create the commanders sight:


View with it in the window. I backed it up with a piece of clear plastic inside and painted periscope blue:

John-- what is the name of the product you used on the vision blocks?
thanks
DJ

It is called Glossy Accents by Ranger. I think my wife gets it at Michaels, Hobby Lobby and the like.

John-- thanks
DJ

No problem. But one other thing. It does shrink as it dries, so you will need to apply multiple applications, depending on how deep the material is.

Well, she is ready for paint. For you sharp eyed ones, yes I have not glued on those parts that fit the front of the hull. Had to re-add some weld lines. That is the green putty.







Plus the MG is to be added.

1st and 2nd colors on...





Those wheel masks are awesome. First time using them.

Green on now. Just will freehand the black. Got the tracks on, super gluing them to the wheels to hold them down.





As you can tell, have some touch ups to do with my masking mistakes.

She's coming along nicely.

Sprayed the black. Now touchups and more detail painting.






Thanks for looking.

Well, almost done. Got the decals on, and some weathering. I have a comment about the decals. They were not very opaque. You can see thru them with some of the camo. Was not too happy about that.



Still have to add antenna, but pretty much done. Thanks for looking.

Looks very nice John! Thanks for sharing.