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Armor/AFV: Vietnam
All things Vietnam
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LVTE-1
r2d2
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Posted: Sunday, February 15, 2015 - 01:18 AM UTC
WIP shots of my current build, LVTE-1. Before anything else I would like to specially thank Ralph (Mech) for his full support of this build. For those who don't know him, he scratch built all of the LVTP-5 family variant way back at around 10 to 12 years ago. His work fully inspired me with his awesome talent on delivering an amazing subject. Next, I would also thank Frenchy for hooking me up with some reference photo and sending me emails on the very old Steel Master magazine which features this build long ago.

After more than three years since I have started this build, I accidentally found it again in my stash. Reason for not pushing through was the lack of very good reference and also of it being less known variant of the LVTP-5, few people really care about this subject. Other reason is work and being so busy with responsibility and my family.

I just love all engineering vehicles, that said here is the progress shots.

I have to do my own 1/35 scale drawing to start my conversion. Again, can't thank Ralph enough.

The progress so far..... You can see the patina on the floatation device done 3 years ago. Here you can see the basics....Launcher, left and right side louvers and the blade.


Another view..

Here is a couple of views of the plow floatation device....





The mine clearing launcher.....



The side louvers......

The blades.... still a lot to do.


The hull will be extensively updated for this version. Stay tune.
r2d2
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Posted: Sunday, February 15, 2015 - 02:25 AM UTC
Actual vehicle. Picture is taken from Toadmans reference. This is for discussion purpose only.

C_JACQUEMONT
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Posted: Sunday, February 15, 2015 - 07:08 AM UTC
You're a brave man but off to a good start and with Ralph's help you'll do OK.

This will look fabulous when complete, always wondered why HobbyFan never made a resin conversion.

Cheers,

Christophe
AmTrac1833
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Posted: Sunday, February 15, 2015 - 08:23 AM UTC
Looking awesome so far, good luck on the build/conversion. Back when I MEF moved to Camp Del Mar the LVTE1, along with an H6, C1, R1 and P5 were in jeopardy of removal and potential scrapping. A smart & sneaky Trac'r greased the appropriate palms and got the vehicles moved from the MEF building and placed as display pieces along the road entering Camp Del Mar and near AmTrac barracks.
Will be watching with interest!
r2d2
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Posted: Sunday, February 15, 2015 - 02:42 PM UTC

Quoted Text

You're a brave man but off to a good start and with Ralph's help you'll do OK.

This will look fabulous when complete, always wondered why HobbyFan never made a resin conversion.

Cheers,

Christophe


Thanks Christophe. Its going to be very challenging indeed. The lack of reference is my major problem but I have approach Ralph and he offered his assistance. So hope all will be OK.

As for Hobby Fan, its strange they didn't do a conversion as ROC marine had several in service although if you look closely their LVTE retains the side vents and it lacks the US marines upgrades/version on the engine deck. Strangely it had the front door modification and the new side door. It would be a massive conversion if they do it and the way I looked at it is that the only parts usable will be the lower hull and the running tracks and wheels.
r2d2
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Posted: Sunday, February 15, 2015 - 02:50 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Looking awesome so far, good luck on the build/conversion. Back when I MEF moved to Camp Del Mar the LVTE1, along with an H6, C1, R1 and P5 were in jeopardy of removal and potential scrapping. A smart & sneaky Trac'r greased the appropriate palms and got the vehicles moved from the MEF building and placed as display pieces along the road entering Camp Del Mar and near AmTrac barracks.
Will be watching with interest!


Hi Daniel. Thanks. Do you have photo access to the LVTP's? This is a very rare subject indeed but I just loved it. Back home in the Philippines the Marines used the LVTP-5, LVTE-1(rusting away) and the LVTR (rusting away). They have used it in the film (can't remember what ? Apocalypse now) i think. Difficult to get access to have reference pics as I have found out from a friend that they were strict in the Marines compound.

Any how, reference photos are still welcome.
Mark
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Posted: Sunday, February 15, 2015 - 03:45 PM UTC
Nice one!!
I guess you have seen these already but just in case:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQv1PRx2OUc
http://www.net-maquettes.com/nl/pictures/lvte1/
http://scalemodels.ru/modules/forum/viewtopic_t_41418.html
http://www.toadmanstankpictures.com/lvte1.htm

good luck with this build!

Mark
Frenchy
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Posted: Sunday, February 15, 2015 - 04:17 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Back home in the Philippines they used the Marines used the LVTP-5, LVTE-1(rusting away) and the LVTR (rusting away). They have used it in the film (can't remember what ? Apocalypse now) i think.


Apocalyse Now indeed



Don't forget the LVTH-6 variant (there's a conversion set available from Masterpiece Models).

H.P.
AmTrac1833
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Posted: Sunday, February 15, 2015 - 07:10 PM UTC
I retired couple years back and moved so I no longer have access to LVTs/AAVs. I do however have a good stash of reference material for LVTs/AAVs. Back on a UDP in 2000 I participated in Exercise Balikatan and after the exercise the Philippine Marines picked us up from the port and brought us to their LVT base in Manila. I got to climb all over the P5s, H6s and E1 and even was allowed to remove and keep one of the data plates from one of the derelict LVTP5s.
You will recognize the LVTE1 in the bottom pictures, these were taken when she was displayed next to the 3DAABN building. I may have more pictures of her and other LVTE1s but I’ll have to dig for those. May take some time but I’ll dig away and let you know what I turn up.













Tank1812
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Posted: Sunday, February 15, 2015 - 08:34 PM UTC
I like the progress. Will be following this one.

@Dan, do you have anymore of the H-6 as you cross the bridge in to DelMar and maybe some of the -5 at Combat Town in the 25 area?
r2d2
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Posted: Sunday, February 15, 2015 - 09:16 PM UTC




Thanks Mark, yes I've seen them all before. The build on scalemodels.ru is good but lacks accuracy on the top conversion especially the louvers which was incorrectly to far forward and the small fittings needs to be removed. Also the weld marks are to over scale for my taste.
r2d2
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Posted: Sunday, February 15, 2015 - 09:17 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

Back home in the Philippines they used the Marines used the LVTP-5, LVTE-1(rusting away) and the LVTR (rusting away). They have used it in the film (can't remember what ? Apocalypse now) i think.


Apocalyse Now indeed



Don't forget the LVTH-6 variant (there's a conversion set available from Masterpiece Models).

H.P.


Yes thats the one Frenchy!
r2d2
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Posted: Sunday, February 15, 2015 - 09:23 PM UTC

Quoted Text

I retired couple years back and moved so I no longer have access to LVTs/AAVs. I do however have a good stash of reference material for LVTs/AAVs. Back on a UDP in 2000 I participated in Exercise Balikatan and after the exercise the Philippine Marines picked us up from the port and brought us to their LVT base in Manila. I got to climb all over the P5s, H6s and E1 and even was allowed to remove and keep one of the data plates from one of the derelict LVTP5s.
You will recognize the LVTE1 in the bottom pictures, these were taken when she was displayed next to the 3DAABN building. I may have more pictures of her and other LVTE1s but I’ll have to dig for those. May take some time but I’ll dig away and let you know what I turn up.
















Ah yes Daniel thats the one! I think its in Fort Bonifacio if i'm correct. I remember the Balikatan exercise and good to know your there. Thanks for the pictures especially the launcher. Its good to have you here on board the build as I need as much input as possible. If you have some more and willing to share it pls. feel free to post it here as this will also serve as a reference for those who wanted the same project. Again thanks a lot!

Cheers,
Raphael Val
AmTrac1833
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Posted: Monday, February 16, 2015 - 02:17 AM UTC
Ryan,
I have a couple of the H6 located at the entrance to Del Mar, wish I would have taken many more though. That H6 was fairly complete inside and out, the engine was in with the U-joints/knuckles disassembled and laying in the engine compartment. All the radios were still installed as was the whole instrument panel. We removed the driver’s control stick to gift it to a MGySgt that retired from AVTB back in 97/98 time frame. I took the data plate from the turret and have it stashed somewhere in the house. I think I have picture of the P5 in combat town but she was little more than a shell. I think I have the H6 rebuild manual in my reference stash along with the P5 stocklist manual. I have the P5 with resin interior and another P5 with H6 conversion waiting their turn on the hobby desk.

Val,
Fort Bonifacio- that’s the one! We had such an awesome time with our “Armor Brothers” before, during and after the exercise. We went and had lunch with our Armor Brothers but the meal was rushed due to an investigation. One of the Philippine Marines (infantry) was accidently killed during the exercise when one of their LAV-300s rolled over him during the beach assault. I have more photos that I have taken and that I have collected from friends, connections and online purchases. It may take some time but will get some scanned and loaded into my Photobucket. The pics below are photos I already had loaded into Photobucket.











Tank1812
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Posted: Monday, February 16, 2015 - 02:49 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Ryan,
I have a couple of the H6 located at the entrance to Del Mar, wish I would have taken many more though. That H6 was fairly complete inside and out, the engine was in with the U-joints/knuckles disassembled and laying in the engine compartment. All the radios were still installed as was the whole instrument panel. We removed the driver’s control stick to gift it to a MGySgt that retired from AVTB back in 97/98 time frame. I took the data plate from the turret and have it stashed somewhere in the house. I think I have picture of the P5 in combat town but she was little more than a shell. I think I have the H6 rebuild manual in my reference stash along with the P5 stocklist manual. I have the P5 with resin interior and another P5 with H6 conversion waiting their turn on the hobby desk.


Is that when it disappeared at delmar? Granted I never spent a lot of time in that area but I remember seeing it then not seeing it. I was slumming at the 22/25 area on AD. Hated pt'ing out that way so never thought to bring a camera out there on my free time. I also have 2 kits and plan a Campen H6 or Stumps H6 and a 25 Area/combat town P5.
AmTrac1833
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Posted: Monday, February 16, 2015 - 06:20 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

Ryan,
I have a couple of the H6 located at the entrance to Del Mar, wish I would have taken many more though. That H6 was fairly complete inside and out, the engine was in with the U-joints/knuckles disassembled and laying in the engine compartment. All the radios were still installed as was the whole instrument panel. We removed the driver’s control stick to gift it to a MGySgt that retired from AVTB back in 97/98 time frame. I took the data plate from the turret and have it stashed somewhere in the house. I think I have picture of the P5 in combat town but she was little more than a shell. I think I have the H6 rebuild manual in my reference stash along with the P5 stocklist manual. I have the P5 with resin interior and another P5 with H6 conversion waiting their turn on the hobby desk.


Is that when it disappeared at delmar? Granted I never spent a lot of time in that area but I remember seeing it then not seeing it. I was slumming at the 22/25 area on AD. Hated pt'ing out that way so never thought to bring a camera out there on my free time. I also have 2 kits and plan a Campen H6 or Stumps H6 and a 25 Area/combat town P5.


When I left in mid-2012 they had lined most of the LVTs along the road just after the bridge into Del Mar. I don't know if they are still there but a recent look at Google Maps and I noticed they got the new NHCP built right at the entrance to Pendleton. Traffic was a nightmare before so I imagine it is bordering on suicidal nowadays.
AmTrac1833
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Posted: Monday, February 16, 2015 - 06:20 AM UTC
I pulled ahead on homework and classes were canceled due to weather today so I had some time to scan the pile of photos from my collection. This is only about 80% or so but the remaining images are not much more than duplicates of these (essentially) or they are too grainy or fuzzy to be of any use. This is only my P5/H6/E1 stash. I may have more hidden in folders and files in my digital stash but those are less organized and more challenging to round up than my photo albums are. Only 18 of these are photos that I personally took, the rest came from friends, veterans that shared images for the LVT museum or purchased online. In one of the photos you will see three AAVP7A1s but look in the background and you will see a field of P5s and H6s. This was in Taiwan, we sent a training cadre there after the Taiwanese purchased RAM/RS vehicles in ’05. Towards the end are some E1s in Vietnam. In one photo, if I remember the vets story correctly, you will see the line charge laying on/in front of the vehicle, he said they didn’t bother firing the rocket to clear mines from the road and instead hand-carried the line charge along the road then the crew returned to the vehicle and detonated the charge. I can’t imagine toting/dragging 3000 or so pounds of line charge to put in place but that what they did!
Hope you find these helpful. If anyone is real venturing they can attempt a conversion of the LVTAAX – the one with twin 40s on top intended as an amphibious anti-aircraft vehicle.





















































































r2d2
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Posted: Monday, February 16, 2015 - 04:38 PM UTC
Great photo collection Daniel! Very rarely seen! Thanks for sharing this. It makes me want to do more LVTP! Do you know how fast it goes in the water?

How come the Taiwanese LVTE retained the side vents without any change to the engine deck yet the front hull and the side doors remained the same as the USMC version. Is this done or an upgrade to the standard LVTP5 converted by Taiwanese Marines?
AmTrac1833
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Posted: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 - 08:52 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Great photo collection Daniel! Very rarely seen! Thanks for sharing this. It makes me want to do more LVTP! Do you know how fast it goes in the water?

How come the Taiwanese LVTE retained the side vents without any change to the engine deck yet the front hull and the side doors remained the same as the USMC version. Is this done or an upgrade to the standard LVTP5 converted by Taiwanese Marines?


According to the Operator's Manual (experimental, it lists the howitzer variant as the LVT(A)-6) from Feb 1952 the forward water speed is 7.5 MPH.
I am not sure about the Taiwanese LVTEs, if they were modified from P5 hulls they had or if they were delivered that way. I don't know all the legal loopholes you would have to jump through and the palms/pockets you would have to grease but you could probably purchase some of these old warhorses (for museum purposes of course when filling out the paperwork) from Taiwan since they are getting replaced by AAVP7A1 RAM/RS. They do it with warbirds, why not with an LVT?
Frenchy
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Posted: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 - 09:36 PM UTC
All hope is maybe not lost for those who want to have a 1/35 scale LTVE on their shelf but don't have Val's scratchbuilding skills

http://www.3dinscale.com/WIP.html

H.P.
C_JACQUEMONT
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Posted: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 - 11:54 PM UTC
Some fantastic photos in this thread, thanks Daniel!

Isn't that the vehicle trialed by the British? I have seen another pic with a Land Rover light weight coming out down the ramp.






Cheers,

Christophe
AmTrac1833
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Posted: Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - 12:24 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Some fantastic photos in this thread, thanks Daniel!

Isn't that the vehicle trialed by the British? I have seen another pic with a Land Rover light weight coming out down the ramp.

Cheers,

Christophe


It most likely is. All that is provided on the back of the photo in regards to description is:

19-5-58. EXERCISE “RUN AGROUND IX” – AT SOUTHSEA.

Exercise “Run Aground IX” – was carried out on the Eastney Beach, Southsea – today – in which Staff College Students saw some of the craft – methods and equipment used in amphibious operations. The exercise included an assault by Royal Marine Troops mounted from a Commando carrier in helicopters.

KEYSTONE PHOTO SHOWS:- A new L.V.T. P.5 comes ashore during the demonstration at Eastney Beach –part of “Run Aground IX” – today.

I get the description of the LVT but what is a "Commando carrier in helicopters" which is not in the picture?

r2d2
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Posted: Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - 12:26 AM UTC

Quoted Text

All hope is maybe not lost for those who want to have a 1/35 scale LTVE on their shelf but don't have Val's scratchbuilding skills

http://www.3dinscale.com/WIP.html

H.P.


Thats good to hear they are doing it, even plastic kits are more than welcome.
If they pull this through I would be really amaze on how they will tackle the extensive external difference from the regular LVTP-5 as the list is just massive. The whole deck needs to be replaced as well as the sides of the hull and the front end. They need an extensively detailed mine low and its attachment not to mention a very detailed launcher. Its doable but at a massive cost and high price to pay. Few people realize the total external difference except for a diehard few that knows this vehicle inside and out and they can confirm it. Also the quality will be in question......will see.

I see in another post that one commented on someone scratch building this currently will be hit hard by Murphy's law. For me its all about the challenge to myself and enjoyment of pulling it out so this does not affect me at anyway, in fact I encourage it and will compare how good it is to the real subject and if so I might get one for myself. As it stands this are all on the CAD and its infancy.

Danial, Ralph and all the others that know this vehicle can tell you the extensive external difference and there are no easy way around this or shortcuts. If they do have "bolt on conversion" which I doubt, It will take an extensive amount of time and patience to cut away the original kit to accommodate it. Easy way for them is to have the big chassis bolted on to the hull and running gear (only usable part) of the kit if they do a conversion.


Still waiting for this in plastic........
C_JACQUEMONT
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Posted: Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - 12:36 AM UTC

Quoted Text



It most likely is. All that is provided on the back of the photo in regards to description is:

19-5-58. EXERCISE “RUN AGROUND IX” – AT SOUTHSEA.

Exercise “Run Aground IX” – was carried out on the Eastney Beach, Southsea – today – in which Staff College Students saw some of the craft – methods and equipment used in amphibious operations. The exercise included an assault by Royal Marine Troops mounted from a Commando carrier in helicopters.

KEYSTONE PHOTO SHOWS:- A new L.V.T. P.5 comes ashore during the demonstration at Eastney Beach –part of “Run Aground IX” – today.




Thanks a lot.


Cheers,

Christophe
r2d2
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Posted: Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - 12:42 AM UTC
To give you guys an idea.....this is Ralph's beautiful and extensive conversion. Posted this with Ralph's permission and my inspiration to this conversion.




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