I’ve had Airfix’s 1/72 Buffalo Amphibian (LVT-4) in my to build stash for quite some time now awaiting its turn on the bench. I’ve put a couple of these together before, so I decided to go a step further with this one.
Initially I wanted to convert it into an LVTA1, but while going through my references I noticed that there is a slight difference in the suspension. Slight enough for me to notice, but what I figured to be beyond my ability to correct. Several pages later and I was pleased to find that the LVTA5 Modifieds suspension is identical to the -4’s.
This requires a little more topdeck surgery than what the LVTA1 would of required, but nothing too difficult. One of the saleing points for an LVTA1 was to just use the turret from Hasegawa’s M3 Stuart. With the A5 Modified I’ll have to completey build a turret from scratch, unless someone produces a 1/72 M8 HMC before I tackle that challenge.
Here are a couple pics of the work so far…
and what is in my head it will look like when its all said and done.
Looks like an ambitious project to me. I’ll be looking forward to some finished pics. Good luck.
There’s a couple of issues you have facing you. First, while the Airfix kit is currently marketed as 1/72 scale, it is actually 00 or 1/76 scale. The Hasegawa turret is a true 1/72 scale. Secondly, the Hasegawa turret is the flat sided M3. The photo of the vehicle you have pictured uses the turret of the M8 75mm howitzer based on the M5A1 Stuart.
You might be better off trying to make the LVT(A)1 which uses the 37mm turret found on the M5 series tank.
Thanks for that bit of info (1/76 vice 1/72), that would of been a royal nuissance. I think my biggest challenge will be the turret. Luckily I have an actual vehicle I’ll be getting all the measurements from, shrinking them to the proper scale now. I’ve made considerable progress on the upper hull, I will post pics as soon as I get them loaded up.
I chose against the LVTA1 primarily because of the difference in suspension, although minor (position of the two rear most boggie wheels) it would bug me too much to just ignore it (even though I don’t think most would catch it).
Here are some progress pics. Still much work to be done, but it hasn’t frustrated me yet.
Will continue to update.
Where my measurements lack, putty fills in.
Went through the vehicle taking all the measurements I think I need for now. It made me come to the realization that I’ll need to get myself a good digital micrometer instead of using my regular rulers. Some of the parts I need to make are going to be very tiny (after converting the measurements to scale), patience test 101.
it is interesting vehicle. i saw its Revell version.
Got a micrometer today, as well picking up some more bits for my Dremel. Found my new source for modeling tools, FRY’s, they have everything (tool wise) and for less than what the hobby shop charges. Then made it to the hobby shop for more plastic and paints.
I have gone through and converted all my measurements, now to start marking up the model for, drilling, scribing, and gluing. Will post pics as progress is made.
Putting the measurements and micrometer to use. I have started building up the rear engine deck, scribed the pontoon access hatch, and marked out the foot steps for hollowing out (one side only).
Sorry for not posting current pics of the project. I have installed exhaust outlets on the backside of the vehicle, as well as shaped, formed, and attached the raised engine deck to the hull. As an additional bonus for the home team, I managed to track down a 1/72 M8 HMC kit which will save me from having to scratch build the whole turret for the LVTA5.
On the down side though, progress has been slow since I got side tracked with my 1/72 A-26 Invader and FW-190D-9 projects. If going slow wasn’t bad enough, I’m prying myself away from the hobby desk to visit family out of state for about a week. Hopefully my little M8 will be waiting in the mail box when I return and I can get back to business.