Hobby Master Archive

A vast improvement over the LVT-1 came with the arrival of the LVT-2 commonly known as the “Water Buffalo” and also as just the “Buffalo”. The new machine was provided with better armor, a newer Continental engine and the same transmission found in M3A1 Stuart tanks all riding on a new suspension. This made it possible for the LVT-2 to carry 6,500 pounds, 2,000 pounds more than the LVT-1. The one flaw with the LVT-2 was the bilge powers were powered by gasoline so when the gasoline ran out the LVT-2 usually foundered. The LVT-2 was manufactured from 1942 until 1945.

At 0902 on February 19, 1945 (Operation Detachment) the armored LVT-2s came ashore on Iwo Jima. The 23rd Marine Division landed at Beaches Yellow 1 and 2 courtesy of the 10th Marine Amtrak Battalion comprised of 94 LVT-2s. With troops off-loaded some LVTs returned to their LSTs to start carrying supplies ashore. LVTs from the 10th Amtrak Battalion used the cover of night to carry ammunition to forward positions. During the 36 days of fighting, four Amphibian units comprised of 371 LVT-2s saw duty with 1/3 of those landed being lost.

Specifications for the LVT(A)-2 Armored version of the LVT-2 Crew - 2 / 7 Troops - 18 Number Produced - 450 Engine - 7-cylinder Continental Model W670-9A, producing 250 hp, now moved to rear of vehicle Fuel Capacity - 140 gallons Transmission - Spicer Gear 5 forward 1 reverse

Speed Land - 20 mph Water - 7.5 mph Range Land - 150 miles Water - 100 miles Weight Empty - 24,250 lbs Loaded - 30,250 lbs

Dimensions Length - 26 ft 2 in Width - 10 ft 8 in Height - 8 ft 2 in Armament 1 X .50 caliber M2HB machine gun 3 X .30 caliber M1919A4 machine guns

Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG4407 LVT(A)-2 10th Marine Amtrack Bttn., “Beach Yellow 1”, Iwo Jima, 1945

True 1/72 scale.

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.