The set includes many of the parts originally included in the Trakz LVT(A)1 conversion set (TX 0004) designed for the Italeri LVT(A)1 but this has now been replaced with this set that includes the resin parts and metal barrel.
The quality of the resin parts is excellent with just the usual casting blocks and some thin resin film to remove from the smaller parts, some of which will require a bit of care due their small size but the resin is easy to work with and cleanup was relatively easy.
The etched copper parts are cleanly etched with nice relief and the usual engraved bend lines where required but while not having the finesse of some contemporary etched sets are perfectly acceptable.
The large fret measures 133mm x 82mm and has some large parts such as the gun shields and rear water deflectors in multi-part assemblies which look complicated but by following the instructions shouldn’t pose any real problems.
Other etched parts include the rear engine deck intake grill, periscope housings, head light guards and the multi-part mountings on the back of the metal gun shields as well as some .30cal ammo boxes where the etched box is bent around a plain resin box template to form the box and you can leave the separate box lid open if you wish for added detail.
There are also two resin .30cal machine guns with additional etched receiver covers but while the .30cal barrel cooling jackets are a little thick they will build into quite nice guns to add as you wish and there are also etched cooling jackets that have to be bent to shape if you wish to use these. Just forget that etched .30cal ammo belts which are really ridiculous being flat one dimensional stuff that just doesn’t look convincing at all and is a problem with all sets that include etched ammo belts, not just this one.
Additional resin parts are included for the hull hatches and the instructions show you how to correct the rear turret angle in the kit as this should be vertical and not angled and this alteration should be easy enough for most modellers.
Fitting the metal barrel which includes the slight tip flare to the kit gun is very easy but simply cutting the plastic barrel away at the corresponding length and drilling a small hole to insert the metal barrel. Although the instruction don’t actually mention the barrel or show how it is fitted you should be able to work this out okay if you have used replacement metal barrels previously.
The instructions are in the form of exploded view drawings of the various assemblies and while okay in most instances careful study before hand wouldn’t go astray to fully understand the sequences but as mentioned the barrel doesn’t get a mention.
Conclusion:
A nicely detailed update set for the basic Italeri kit with the etched parts
adding some nice detail definition and replacement resin and metal parts easy
to fit.
Recommended for Amtrac fans.
The resin parts:Project LVT's Amtanks David E Harper Letterman Publications 008 |
LVT(A)1,4,5 Model Tech Manual David E Harper Letterman Publications 011 |
US Amtracs and
Amphibians at War 1941-45 by Steven Zaloga & George Balin Concord 'Armour at War Series' No. 7032 ISBN 962-361-655-4 plates |
Amtracs US Amphibious Assault Vehicles by Steven Zaloga Osprey New Vanguard 30 ISBN 185532850X |
AMTRACS in action Jim Mesco Squadron Signal Publications ISBN 0-89747-298-5 |
Thanks to ModelMecca/VLS for the review sample.
Page created February 26, 2006