Hobby Master 1:72 Ground Power Series HG4406
FMC Corporation LVT-2 Water Buffalo Diecast Model
US Army 193rd Tank Btn, Makin Atoll, November 1943 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| FMC Corporation LVT-2 Water Buffalo | | 4.25" | | 1.75" |
As part of the U.S. Military plan of island hopping their way to Tokyo an assault on Makin Atoll, one of the Gilbert Island group was launched on November 20, 1943. The island was defended by a relatively small garrison of 806 men and by November Makin was declared “Taken”. Over the 5 days the Japanese had an estimated 395 killed while the American losses numbered 66 killed and 152 wounded. The largest American loss came off shore when the USS Liscome Bay was torpedoed with the loss of 644 personnel. There were also 10 sailors lost in a turret fire on the battleship USS Mississippi as well as 10 naval shore party and pilots. The American total reached 763 which was almost the number of the entire Japanese garrison.
Designed as a military version of a civillian rescue vehicle (known as the Alligator), the LVT-1 first entered service during WWII. The original civilian model was developed in 1935 by Donald Roebling, who designed it to operate in swampy areas that were inaccessible to cars and boats. The US Marine Corps contracted Roebling to design a more seaworthy version for the military to use as cargo carriers for ship-to-shore operations-the resulting vehicle was so successful that it was also used for assault troop transport and fire support. It could carry 4,500 pounds of cargo or 24 fully-equipped troops and had two .30 cal. Machine guns for supporting fire. © Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale amphibious Landing Vehicle Tracked is a large model for this scale and has a nice, heavy feel. The lower portion of the hull is made from diecast metal with the upper portion in plastic, which allows for fine details such as hatches, rivets and delicate tie downs. Separately applied equipment such as grappling hooks and twisted cable add to this model's realism. Variants in the series include the LTV(A)-1-fitted with a rotating M3 Stuart turret with elevating 37mm gun and two rear-facing machine guns-and the LTV(A)-4, which has a rotating 75mm Howitzer Motor Carriage M8 turret with 50 caliber machine gun.
© Copyright 2003-2016 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Ground Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military vehicles.
Hobby Master "1:72 Ground Power Series" diecast vehicles feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
- Painted, fitted, non-moving tracks on detailed non-rotating wheels.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Clear acrylic display case to protect model.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
