Hobby Master Archive

The LVT (Landing Vehicle Tracked) was a class of amphibious vehicles designed for the U.S. Military during WWII. The original idea was for a cargo carrier from ship to shore. It wasn’t -1 and LVT(A)-4s were developed into Amtanks with the addition of more armor and heavy fire power.

As the US Marines were brought ashore in various types of landing craft the LTV(A) Amtanks would provide suppressing fire toward the beach as well as on the beach once they landed. Each LVT(A)-4 was equipped with one 75 mm howitzer, one 50 caliber MG mounted on the turret ring, one 30 caliber in front of the assistant driver, one 30 caliber MG mounted in front of the howitzer loader. On the approach to the beach each LTV(A)-4 would fire an average of 23 rounds from the 75 mm Howitzer, 188 rounds of .50 caliber MG and 473 rounds of .30 caliber MG.

Specifications for the LTV(A)-4 armored version dubbed Amtank Number produced - 1,890 Crew - 6 x (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver, Assistant Driver, AA Machine Gunner)

Engine - 1 x Continental W-670-9A, 7 cylinder, 4 cycle, radial gasoline 250 hp Weight - 19.95 US tons (18.1 metric tonnes)

Dimensions Length - 26 ft (7.95 m) Width - 10.6 ft (3.25 m) Height - 10.1 ft (3.1 m)

Operational Range On road - 124 miles (200 km) In water - 74 miles (120 km)

Speed On land - 24.8 mph (40 km/h) In water - 6.8 mph (11 km/h)

Armor 6 to 38 mm Primary Armament 1 x 75 mm M2/M3 Howitzer 1 x .50 cal MG later versions 2 x .30 cal MGs

Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG4402 LVT(A) -4 US Marines, 2nd Armoured Amphibian Battalion Iwo Jima 1945

Professionally painted.

Weathered finish.

Great attention to detail.

All markings are Tampoed (pad applied).

Rubber tracks roll.

Extremely heavy metal with a minimum of plastic.

Highly collectable.

THE FINISHED MODEL WILL HAVE WEATHERING AND THE TRACKS WILL BE REVERSED SO THEY ARE ON CORRECTLY. THANKS TO THE COLLECTOR THAT EMAILED ME ASKING THESE QUESTIONS.