Hi Guys, firstly I’d like to apologise for the slightly disjointed nature of this post. This is a project I've been working at off and on for the last few years more for fun than anything else. I’ve taken all the updates from another forum and combined into a single post. Was actually a bit surprised to find I had started it back in 2012!
It started when I bought this small set of marine vehicles in 1/350 scale, when getting the Trumpeter USS Independence (never got it finished either). Technically they should go with the Wasp LHD, but I thought they looked cool.... might build a small beach landing diorama as I got a pair of LCACs also.
The only changes I made were to the two howitzars. Made in accordance to the instructions they have the legs in travel mode and the barrel in firing mode. A little surgery and I now have one each in full travel or firing mode. But then I swapped them and the trucks for more LAVs and AAVs
The vehicles were base coated and then I started on the LCAC. At this stage it was only dry-fitted but you get the general idea and the scale from the little Humbrol tinlet:
Plus I attracted an audience. At least he had no hairs to shed on any wet paint:
With the first LCAC complete...just need to dirty up the deck with tyre and track marks....not that much will be seen when it's loaded
The vehicles almost ready. The left one in each pair has been weathered:
So went back to this fun project which has been stalled. Took one of the MH60S from the USS Independence kit:
Trying to mask and paint those windows nearly killed me! The tip I got, as it's all clear plastic, is mask the windows then undercoat in black before the grey coat. This will give the impression of an interior...allegedly! We'll see how that goes.
The other LCAC is actually coming along quite well to be in the lowered off-loading position. Paint was wet so I didn't move it to photograph.
At this point my plans got bigger. The current thoughts to do an A4(ish) or even A3 size dio of a beach landing. So had to get the Marine Air Support set so I can have Harriers flying close support....plus more vehicles
I knew there were limits on an LCAC load:
12 HMMWVs per sortie
4 LAVs per sortie
2 AAVs per sortie
1 M1A1 per sortie
4 M923 per sortie
2 M923 5-Ton Trucks,2 M198 Howitzers, and 2 HMMWVs per sortie
Very interesting information and pictures at:
http://www.fas.org/programs/ssp/man/uswpns/navy/landingcraft/lcac.htmlThe sets are Trumpeter sets TP64005 (2 x LCACs) TP64004 (8 vehicles x 2 of each) and TP64003 with Cobras, Harriers, Sea Knights, MV-22s and Sea Hawks. Packaging on each though is branded MRC.
Will do the second in wheels down/hellicopter config. And ordered another pair of LCACs and order more Abrams & AAV7s
as well as Cobras & Harriers for air support.
Now we’re up-to-date. The previous bits were over 4 years but finally starting to take is seriously!Through purchases, swaps and donations the fleet has been growing and has now reached critical mass. Time to start working on it seriously. So now it's at 2 LCUs, 5 LCACs, lots of vehicles and an air wing of 2 Harriers, 2 Cobras, 4 MV22s and 6 MH60s
More updates to follow in short order I hope