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In-Box Review
172
LVT(A)-1
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by: Kent McKesson [ MACTRUCKS ]

INTRODUCTION

Born in the swamps of Florida for hurricane rescue as the civilian Alligator, the LVT series of vehicles played a critical role during some amphibious invasions of World War II. They were designed to be lightweight, maneuverable in the water and on land, as well as reliable and simple to operate. While many of these terms are somewhat relative to the amphibious assault vehicles of more recent design, the LVT stands out for its accomplishments.

The LVT(A)-1 is actually based on the unarmored LVT-2 Water Buffalo developed in 1942. This version featured the same power train as the M3A1 light tank and a torsilastic suspension. It had improved hard terrain performance over the LVT-1 from a year earlier. Most importantly, the LVT(A)-1 had a armored hull with a turret similar to the M3 light tank. The main gun was 37mm M6 with a coaxial .30 cal machine gun. Additional armament consisted of two .30 cal machine guns mounted in rings at the rear of the vehicle. Due to these changes, the LVT(A)-1 was not meant as a transport vehicle, but purposely used to support the amphibious landings.

the KIT

Dragon is the first to introduce a modern injection molded kit of this vehicle in 1/72 scale. As with many of their other offerings, it is likely to be the first release of a number of variants, with the LVT(A)-4 scheduled to be the next to be released very soon.

As with most Dragon kits, detail is sharp and well done. Within the limits of the injection molding process, many of the fine details are separate pieces including hand holds and cleats. Panels feature a fine texture where appropriate and weld lines. Most modelers might expect this in 1/35 scale, but it is a rarity in Braille Scale. On the down side, the finely detailed hatches are molded in the closed position. No interior is included, typical of most Braille scale kits. This may be the reason that Dragon chose to not have any separate hatches.

The main gun takes advantage of slide-molding so that it is molded with a hollow end and smooth sides to the barrel. Considering the relatively large caliber of the gun and fragile length of the molded barrel, this is something not to be overlooked.

Tracks for each side are two pieces. A bit odd, but this is probably an economical solution. Either way details on the tracks appear to be accurate for a LVT(A)-1.

As is common to Dragon 1/72 kits, the instruction sheet is well laid-out with painting instructions throughout the build. One thing that stands out with Dragon’s offerings are the full-color decal and exterior paint sections of the instructions. Decals included are for a number of versions, including both green and gray USMC versions as well as U.S. Army in the Pacific. Paints referenced include both Model Master and Gunze Sangyo (now GSI Creos) brands.

CONCLUSION

As the modern Marine Corps struggles to find an acceptable fourth generation of Amtracs, at least modelers can enjoy a quality model of its great-grandfather. This kit is one that you open the box and can’t wait to start building. I had difficulty not starting on it till I had completed this article.
SUMMARY
Highs: Attention to fine details. Very well molded. An exciting addition for WWII and Amtrac fans in 1/72 scale.
Lows: The hatches are molded closed. Also no interior is provided.
Verdict: Don't wait to get this little gem. Dragon has done a fine job and hopefully builds more kits of ever improving quality.
Percentage Rating
96%
  Scale: 1:72
  Mfg. ID: 7387
  Suggested Retail: $17.95 US
  Related Link: DragonUSA LVT(A)-1 page
  PUBLISHED: Mar 27, 2011
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 89.33%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 86.16%

Our Thanks to Dragon USA!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Kent McKesson (MacTrucks)
FROM: INDIANA, UNITED STATES

I've been modelling for over 30 years now, starting with Monogram snap-kits back in the 1970's. Unlike some, I've never really stopped modeling, even during my teen years and college, but I've had some spells where I didn't build quickly. Modeling interests include 1/72 Vietnam era and modern mili...

Copyright ©2021 text by Kent McKesson [ MACTRUCKS ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

That looks like a sweet little kit Kent, I can see why you had a hard time waiting to build it! The detail looks real impressive and I'm looking forward to your build
MAR 27, 2011 - 12:23 PM
The main gun includes the breech and the coax 30 cal is a full gun as well. That's more detail than comes with the 1/35 scale Shermans. This looks like a great candidate for a father and sons build.
MAR 28, 2011 - 01:42 AM
Im just hoping this series is popular, so they´ll upscale it to 1/35 and release the full set with indy links of course!
MAR 28, 2011 - 01:58 AM
yes 1/35 dragonized smartkit series count me in for two of each!
MAR 28, 2011 - 02:42 AM
I just built this kit. I couldn't resist the Ocean Grey scheme. Currently glossed up for decals. Have not added the tracks yet.
MAR 28, 2011 - 03:21 AM
Worst of all, I have a review of the DML SdKfz 222 kit in Braille as well that I am trying to finish so the parts still haven't come of the trees. Just give me the weekend though.
MAR 30, 2011 - 05:23 PM
Nice work Steve! Kent, looking forward to that build review on the 222
MAR 30, 2011 - 05:46 PM
   
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