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.

On July 24, 1945, two days after capturing Saipan, the 4th Marine Division loaded into their LVTs and began the three mile crossing to Tinian. A false assault in the area of Tinian Town drew some defenders away from the actual landing area six miles away. Meanwhile the 2nd Armored Amphibian Battalion began landings at White Beach 1 and 2 using 96 LVT-2s and 40 LVT-4s. On August 1, 1945 Tinian had been secured and 5 days later the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.

Specifications for the LVT(A)-4 Fire Support Variant Crew - 6 Number Produced - 1,890 Engine - 7-cylinder Continental Model W670-9A, producing 250 hp, now moved to rear of vehicle Fuel Capacity - 106 gallons Transmission - Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse

Speed Land - 25 mph Water - 7 mph Range Land - 125 miles Water - 75 miles Weight Combat - 40,000 lbs.

Dimensions Length - 26 ft 2 in Width - 10 ft 8 in Height - 8 ft 2 in Armament 1 X 75mm Howitzer M3 main gun mounted in an open-topped turret 1 X 0.50 caliber machine gun over the turret or on later models 2 X 0.30 caliber machine guns on pintle mounts and 1 X .030 caliber machine gun in bow mounting

Main - 2 X 12.7 mm (0.5 in) machine gun Secondary - 2 X .30-06 Browning M1919A4 machine guns

Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG4408 LVT(A)-4 2nd Armored Amphibian Bttn., Tinian Island, August 1944

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.