Introduction

With the production of the LVT-2 Italeri Kit #6462, it was only a matter of time before a Photo Etched detail kit arrived on the market. Eduard has not disappointed and has produced 3 detail sets for the Italeri Kit, each of which can be used in conjunction with each other and do not include duplicate parts when installed. The three sets are 36010 Detail Set, 36013 Floor Plate, and 36014 Louver Bulkhead, all of which are the subject of this review.

Set 36010 Detail

This set covers the main detail areas for the LVT-2. Eduard provides 4 pages of line drawings as instructions, 3 PE frets, and one window film. The instructions are fairly easy to understand and most of the parts to be installed require some modification of the donor parts in the Italeri kit. These are identified on the line drawings by color and identifying mark denoting what must be done prior to construction. Some close attention to the detail sheet is needed in a couple of instances on the instructions where a couple of tasks are to be performed on the same part before the PE part can be applied.

This set provides the basic necessary details to correctly portray an early LVT-2. Included are the more common details found on LVT’s such as the light guards, water deflectors, MG parts, exhaust details, engine cover, pump discharge pipe cover, and tool holders. Some of the specific parts found in an LVT-2 are also included such as the MG skate rail, frame windows with film for glass or up-armored windows in the open or closed position, and additional armor around the forward MG locations. The up-armored windows should not be confused with the later LVT(A)-2 where the windows were removed completely and overhead hatches were installed with the driver side having a smaller front viewing hatch. This is a very useful and welcomed detail set and there are some instances where delicate grinding and removal of parts is required, something that is easily accomplished with care. The price for this set is $19.95.

Set 36013 Floor Plate

This photo etch set is used to represent the wooden lattice floor mats found in the cargo compartments of almost any LVT Amtrac. Eduard provides a line drawing for instructions and 1 fret. The instructions are fairly easy to understand and no modifications to any kit parts are required for use since the mats just fall into their respective locations. Balsa wood supports could be used to support the center of each mat but are not required. Apart from this being wooden mats and not plates, this is a great detail to add to any LVT. The price for this set is $10.35.

Set 36014 Louver Bulkhead

This photo etch set is used to represent the rear bulkhead louver panels found in the cargo compartment of the LVT-2 Amtrac. Eduard provides a line drawing as instructions and 1 fret. Instructions are fairly easy to understand and parts to be installed require some modification of the donor part in the Italeri kit and these are identified on the line drawings by color and identifying mark denoting what must be done prior to construction. This set provides the necessary details to correctly portray the louver bulkhead found in any LVT Amtrac, not only the LVT-2. Both sides of the louvers are detailed and care must be given to proper alignment. As stated earlier numerous PE sets for the LVT can be used in conjunction with each other and care should be used when attempting this. Additionally, if using all 3 sets for the LVT-2, some parts of each are attached and used on each other. For example the MG skate rail, found in set 36010, will be attached to the Louver bulkhead. The price for this set is $10.35.

Conclusion

All three sets provide detail upgrade options for those looking to add to the Italeri base kit. The sets can be used independently or integrated with each other and are designed to target different areas with no duplication/overlap between the sets' contents.