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.

September 16, 1942 saw the activation of the 3rd Amphibian Tractor (Amtrac) Battalion that was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division that was also newly activated that day. After training the units left California and sailed to Auckland, New Zealand during February and March 1943. The 3rd AB took part in landings at Bougainville using 124 LVT-1s as well as Guam where they used 193 LVT-2 (Water Buffalos) and LVT-4s. Once again the 3rd AB provided 90 LVT-2s for assaults on Iwo Jima.

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 HG4409 LVT(A)-2 3rd Marine Amtrack Bttn., “Beach Green 1”, WWII

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.