LVT (A) 1 Alligator

[nickmow]

Ok so I have a thing about amphibious vehicles, and after 3 months on my sherman and re-visitng some skills I hadnt used since I was a teenager, (quite a while back) I decided to embark on my all time favourite Armoured Vehicle, its a tank,,,cool and its Amphibious....even cooler. I hope to have it swimming as per the original using the tracks. This unfortunatly demands cleated tracks . So after a couple of ideas Ive come up with the Pnz III track with every other link cleated as per the piccy below, Its not hard to do but I fear may be tedious. Therefore the build will not have the cleats in its first incarnation, just to see if I can get the thing to run. Im thinking of using thin ply for the sides of the hull as it is a big old thing and Plastic card dosnt seem to come in big enough sheets for a one piece hull side.
Any ideas or inspiration would be most welcome

Think this is going to take a while !!!!!!!!!

[[ICE]monkey]

nice project, i will be following this.

[nickmow]

And their OFF ! Thanks Fynsdad for the nod on Plywood, very helpfull chat with the chap in Mantua models in Windsor got me some 1.5mm ply and started the main body of the Hull ! Luckily the front half has a curve that is not a constant aspect and is really easy to cut accuratly an secure the curved sheet to......Yeah right. I think this is the easy bit too !

[nickmow]

Sorry forgot to say something. Fynsdad, the Jagd looks absolutely fantastic, what a lovely job on the paint scheme you've done !

[nickmow]

Progress between shifts.
Pontoons which will provide bouyancy and support for the road wheels....(hopefully )

Also note on site health and safety inspector in the background ! Gisbon the dog, my mate of 12 years ! not too keen on the tanks though. Big fan of the gliders, which are clearly some sort of long duration stick, to be chased around the sky from the ground !

[FireflyKeith]

Looking good, i just watched episode 5 of the pacific and there are loads of these in it, im sure you will enjoy it

Keith

[littletankman]

Check this out mate .

http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/ref ... ort-2.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Look line section 5 and click on section 221

[nickmow]

Nice link mate, theres lots of info throughout that document, especially for an amphibian spotter like me !! Top Notch

[nickmow]

Progressing slowly, lots of little problems to work out. I think thats what makes a scratch build of something unique, interesting. Im still trying to source PNZ3 idler wheels, I need another 12
anyway. Pontoons attatched

Alongside the Mato Sherman for size comparrison.

Pnz3 Tracks in place. The drive wheels are a mix of M41 and Pnz 3 Teeth, bit fiddly but seem to be holding out. I cant think of an alternative at the moment. The Mato sherman Sprocket and track would be ideal I think.

Next problem is the road(sea) wheels, all 24 of them. I do have an Idea about mounting them on sprung brass mountings. Still in the experimental phase though.....all comments suggestions gratefully accepted.

Nearly forgot (how could I) Andy ..littletankman has very kindly offered me some PNZ 3 Idler wheels/return rollers (the ones on the top)..I only need another 12 so if anyone has any going spare or want to sell me them, Id be really chuffed. OUT

[littletankman]

Hi mate very good I was unsure if the HL gear boxes would fit but they do . Well done mate ,