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Here is my Italeri LVT (A) 4.

FMC LVT-4 Water Buffalo 1:35 The first usage of the LVT in combat was during the amphibious assault on Tarawa. Of 125 vehicles used, only 35 remained operational by the end of the day. Still, a number managed to successfully ferry men across the coral reef and through the shallows to the beach. Marines who arrived in LCVP Higgins boats, on the other hand, could not cross the reef and had to wade through chest-deep or higher water while under enemy fire; casualties were horrific and many who did make it to the beach alive had lost their rifles and other essential gear. Despite their apparent utility however, the LVT-4 was too lightly armoured for combat, and the open crew and passenger compartment resulted in serious injuries from both machine gun fire and shrapnel. The operation also revealed the need for close-in fire support, which the Amtracs lacked. As a result of Tarawa experience, standardized armor kits were provided for the LVTs employed in contested landings, and the gun-armed "amtanks" LVT (A)-1 and LVT (A)-4 were developed to provide fire support. Armed with a 75 mm howitzer, the latter was especially effective in this role as it was capable of destroying Japanese fortifications as it came ashore. However the LVT(A)-4 had an open-topped turret which left the crew vulnerable to artillery and infantry attack, especially to the latter as it lacked any sort of machine gun armament. The lack of machine gun armament was eventually rectified, though the open-topped turret remained. Although usually used during landings only, in the Marianas campaign "amtanks" were employed inland, much like regular tanks. The largest use of the LVTs was in the Leyte landing, with nine amtrac and two amtank battalions deployed. As there was no fighting on the beaches, this is also one of the least famous LVTs operations. Over 1000 LVTs took part in the Battle of Okinawa. Although usually associated with the Pacific theatre, toward the end of the war LVTs were employed in Europe as well. The U.S., British and Canadian Armies used the Buffalo in the Battle of the Scheldt, during Operation Plunder, along the Po River in Italy, across the river Elbe, and in a number of other river crossing operations. The engine was moved forward and a large ramp door was added to the rear, allowing troops to exit from the rear of the vehicle. This innovation also greatly facilitated the loading and unloading of cargo. Some vehicles received armor kits. It was by far the most numerous version of the LVT, with 8,351 units delivered. Many of the British LVT versions were armed with a Polsten 20 mm cannon and 2 x .30 cal Browning machine guns. The Model The model comes in the usual colourful orange and white box that is standard for the Cyber-Hobby kits. On opening, it is readily apparent that this will build into quite a big model, even some of the sprues of grey styrene barely fit into the box. These Dragon Orange box kits are very nicely put together with additional parts. In this case there is a sprue of four U.S. Marines and another for their weapons, in addition to the three sprues for the LVT-4 itself. All the parts are very nicely moulded with only the slightest bits of flash and moulding pips on many of the small weapons sprue. Unfortunately, even though the parts were well packed, there were several broken parts on this example. Construction begins with the hull sides and the attachment of the running wheels, idlers and drive sprockets to the inner sides. These assemblies are then fitted to the outer sides. The interior deck plate is then fitted to the lower hull along with the forward/engine bulkhead. The track assemblies are then attached to the lower hull assembly in addition to the interior sides. The vinyl tracks come in two parts each side and are of such length that the joins would be hidden under the front and rear mudguards. Next the upper deck is fitted with the port and starboard track guards and rear mudguards. This is then attached to the rest of the hull assembly. The interior of the hull is further built up with protective wooden slats and their associated fixings. The lights, plus the front and rear bollards are then fixed into place. The wooden floors slats are fitted with various lengths of supports to keep them level above the shaped lower hull. The armament provided with the kit include two 30 cal and two 50 calibre machine guns. The 50 cals are made up of separate handgrips, ammunition box, three piece mounts and gunshield. The rear ramp is built up of two parts, outer and inner. This is attached to the lower hull and, using the string provided, to two plates which are then fitted to the upper hull. Further detail parts, such as hand rungs, anchor are fitted to the rear, whilst at the front, the forward machine gun and ball mount, further hand rungs, vision blocks, two boat hooks, bow plate and mooring eye are fitted to the front, thus completing the main build. As stated above, this kit comes with the addition of four U.S. Marines. Each Marine comes in seven parts, torso, head, arms, legs and helmet. Side arms, ammunition pouches, knives and other pouches are provided to fit out each Marine. Their weapons are on a separate sprue and consist of a 1911 rifle with bayonet fitted, Combat shotgun, a BAR and a flamethrower, which comes in two halves, separate hose, fuel bottle and cradle. There is also a bazooka with a container for further rockets. Decals The nicely printed decal sheet gives options for either a US vehicle of the 10th Amphibious Battalion, Yellow Beach 2, Iwo Jima, 1945 or a British vehicle of the 11th RTR, 79th Armoured Division, Netherlands, 1944. The decals appear to be in good register and nicely opaque. Conclusion This is a very nice kit which looks like it will build into a very good representation of these unusual, but very useful vehicles. Detail is good, but will benefit from some good painting and weathering. The addition of the Marine troop will aid in making an interesting diorama, although, if building a British vehicle these will be redundant and good only for the spares box. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of UK distributors for