War Master Military Machines TK0017 FMC Corporation LVT(A)-1 Water Buffalo / Alligator Diecast Model USMC, Leyte Island, Philippines, 1944 --------- Limited Edition #647 of 2000 Pieces Worldwide

1:72 Scale                                          Length     Width
FMC Corporation LVT(A)-1 Alligator     4.25"     1.75"

Because of the risks to meet a Japanese armored opposition at the time of the reconquest of the Pacific, the Marines wished to have an armored LVT, armed with a turret with gun able to face there. It acted either of an amphibious carrier but of a genuine amphibious tank or Amtank.

FMC Corporation LVT(A)-1 Alligator
Designed as a military version of a civilian 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.