Here is Dragon’s 1/72 AAVP7A1 with E.T. Model’s PE. It represents an AAV of AVTB which I took pictures of in mid-late 1995 while she was at 3D AABN ramp awaiting SINCGARS modification. I later was data collector/vehicle commander of this vehicle when she was POP4 (AAV#4 of four RAM/RS test vehicles, Proof Of Production-4) after receiving the RAM/RS modification at MCLB Barstow. The AAV is a bit of an odd ball; the brown squares/blotches are not a shoddy or botched attempt at digital camouflage, they are hastily applied areas that were painted once the mounts for the old (pre-EAAK) grate armor were cut and ground off. Although it lacks even the EAAK mounting bosses (which we applied in 1997 on this AAV and then painted her green overall) and has the VT400 engine/transmission, she has RAM/RS suspension (which made her a sluggish dog to operate) along with one of the earlier test UpGunned Weapons Stations. Being an AVTB (Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch) vehicle, she has the driver and troop commander hatches painted orange, draft marks (the orange squares fore and aft) and antennas painted in alternating colors at six-inch increments to allow for measuring such items as wave heights when reviewing testing films. The last image is a 50-year comparison of the Amphibious Tractor, an AAVP7A1 of 1995 and the LVTA4 (1944/45) I completed for the Have Gun Will Travel GB. 
Boy that thing has a patchwork clown appearance… very odd ball. Nice work there sir!
Very nice job there deattilio [Y] I think the AAV-7 series are very cool looking machines, although I have no idea personally what it’s like to operate in them. Thanks for some background from your personal experience and thanks for your service!
Dave
Oh 1/72, way to small for me.
The cammo looks very nice, specially for the size, my only “bug” is those “patches”. I assume from using some kind of tape and a lot of paint. Other than that, I really liked how it all was tied together.
With 1/72 you dont have to worry on shelve space.
Good job!
Great job as always, doesnt look like 1/72 at all either
Cooool rusty beans there! Always nice to see a vehicle that has a personal story attached to it and is a little bit out of the ordinary! It’s nicely done!
Thanks for all the kind words. My next AmTrac will be yet another oddity, for which I have already worked out the measurements from a photo for hacking and chopping up another 1/72 AAV. It will be the LVTEX-3 which is an LVTPX12 (the experimental model of the LVTP7) with an M551 turret atop that is armed with a 105mm tank gun. The hardest part thus far is cutting up and backdating the AAVP7A1 hull to an LVTP7.
Love it.
Love USMC subjects, and this one is outstanding.
Spoiler - - - I have made noticeable progress on my LVTEX-3, far more difficult than initially anticipated in 1/72. I got the Troop Commanders coupala sanded down and reattached so it is the same height as the drivers. The pontoons have been cut back and I have begun assembling the modified bow using a profile photo of the original, known measurements, micrometer and my handy calculator. The personnel hatch is filled and will be rescribed to conform to the earlier LVTPX12 style, same shape as those found on M113s. The exhaust plenum has been sunk into the hull and the cargo hatch supports filled-in to be replaced by a single unit on each side. I still have to construct the top deck to sit the turret onto, as I have no overhead photos it will be guesses with hopes that 1/72 can hide some of my ignorance. 
