Hi guys

I've spent this evening on the web looking for the best price on Italeri's DUKW. I found that Internet hobbies offer two different kits of Italeri's DUKW. The first is priced at $ 28.70, The second which includes a 105mm howitzer is $26.25.
Is there a differents in these kits ? I could have sworn that Tamiya also sold a DUKW. I've been looking but can't seem to find anyone who carrys it. I wanted to build the DUKW for the Overlord Campaign so anyone who could clesr up this mess would be a big help.

Wolfsix

Italeri makes the only DUKW models in 1/35 scale. The second kit you list with the 105mm Howitzer is the DUKW kit with added parts to put the howitzer in the cargo area, it also comes with wheel covers which were common on early DUKWs. It is the kit I would get, however I got the original when it first came out. Here is a review of the new kit w/ 105 howitzer and the original kit.

DUKW w/ 105 Howitzer
DUKW

Tamiya has never made a DUKW. You may have it confused with the Ford GPA "amphibious jeep."

Those prices you quote are about right for an Italeri DUKW. Watch for sales and you might be able to find one cheaper.

The DUKW with 105 kit is a post-war model, but can probably be back dated. In truth, both Italeri DUKW kits have a mix of early and late features.

Here's an honest review of the Italeri DUKW on PMMS: http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/italeri/it6392.htm

... and one of the DUKW with 105: http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/italeri/it6429.htm

Do a Google serach on Italeri DUKW and you'll come up with lots of built models, as well as a nice tip sheet by Ian Sadler, who visits this site from time to time: http://www5b.biglobe.ne.jp/~TANK-GUY/notes/dukw.html

I notied that the Italeri DUWK w/105mm is usually priced less than the Italeri DUKW. Wonder why the kit with the extra 105mm is cheaper?

Hi guys

Thanks guys for getting back to me so quick, and for the web sites. Shermie, Thats one of the questions that had me a little confused. You would think it would be the other way around with the one with the 105 being the more expensive of the two. My next question is, and this is just lazyness / lack of research on my part, the DUKW that took part in the D-Day invasion was this an earlier vehicle or had the DUKW been around for awhile? Thanks guys you've been a big help.

Wolfsix

I'm sure that one of the decal options in the first issue Italeri kit was a D-day vehicle. I seem to remember it being shown in a documentary on British TV, and I picked up on it at the time.

The DUKW was used in the landings in Sicily and Italy in 1943.