Hello everyone--Hope all is well in the armorama modeler's world. I am currently building the Academy LVTP-7 but I am building the -7A1 variant. I was wondering if some of you fellow modelers could direct me toward any websites that have photos of this specific variant. I have searched far and wide and have found a minimal amount of photos on this piece of equipment. I am hoping some of the Former MARINES who belong to this website could provide some answers for me. I am trying to build a variant that would have been used in beirut which, given the time fame may still have been the -7 variant. I also was searching for individual track links other than Friulmodel since I didn't want to spend an arm and a leg on this model. Besides Model Kasten, I was wondering if there were any other MFG. companies that might produce individual track links at a moderate price. The vinyl tracks are ok but I read where the manufacturer inverted the pads by accident? I appreciate any responses received to this post and thank you for your time!!

Hi Patrick

Academy has released a set of track links for the LVTP7A1 (item AA083). They are non-workable and there's a visible sink mark on the triangular pad of EVERY link (184 links per set...) I don't know if it's still available :
http://www.academy.co.kr/en2/pla/pla_detail.html?id=215&p_mode=1
I think that two of the visible differences between -7 and -7A1 versions are the headlights openings and the engine grilles so you will have to modify the Academy kit. BTW in case you need some -7 pics here's a link :
http://www.modelersite.com/Nov2004/English/LVTP7_Eng.htm

HTH
Frenchy

Patrick
Vodnik has done reviews of all the LVTP/AAVP models. Check out his site. He might be able to help you with pics.
Tom

Thanks for the Info Frenchy and Tom--I have already found Vodnik's articles and they were quite informative! I just can't seem to find an abundance of pics of amtracs in the field and especially in the beirut time frame. I am making a diorama for one of my marine friends who was there when the barracks were attacked. He has said that the soil over there has a very reddish tint to it--his tennis shoes would turn completely red after jogging for a while-lol. Anyway--I have seen photos of this red soil--just need to find a few pics of some amtracs after they have been in the field for a week or so!! My search continues...............

Blackwulf
I found this site. No photos but some great line drawings and data

http://www.inetres.com/gp/military/cv/inf/AAV.html

Tom

Just came across this one on Corbis.com. According to the caption, the pictures had been taken near Beirut airport. It sure looks like a LVTP-7....



Maybe they're not dirty enough for your diorama Patrick....


HTH
Frenchy

As far as I know Marines in Beirut in 1983 were equipped with original LVTP7, not LVTP7A1 and Frenchy's pics above confirm it. So you do not need to change anything in Academy model to build it as vehicle used in Beirut.

And if you really want to build LVTP7A1 don't bother with converting Academy kit as it is A LOT of unnecessary work. Try to find older Tamiya LVTP7A1 kit and you will be set!

Pawel

Thank you very much Frenchy--those pictures are great! It helps to see that red sand on the tracks and road wheels!!