Hobby Master 1:72 Ground Power Series HG4401 FMC Corporation LVT(A)-1 Alligator USMC 3rd Armored Amphibian Btn, "The Bloody Trail", Tarawa Atoll, 1944. 1/72 Scale Diecast Model, Size: 1.75" Width & 4.25" Long, A Clear Covered Display Case Is Included.

The LVT(A)-1 with LVT being short for Landing Vehicle Tracked and (A) means it is armored. These machines carried a crew of 5 to run the craft and to man the guns. The main purpose of the LVT(A)-1 was fire support that could swim as well as operate on land. Because of the weapons, armor and purpose this type of vehicle was labeled amtank. Because of the physical constraints the LVT(A)-1 was limited to a 37mm gun which by many was considered inadequate.

The 3rd Armored Amphibian Battalion was activated on September 16, 1942 at San Diego, CA. The group was originally named 3rd Assault Tractor (Amtrac) Battalion as part of the 3rd Marine Division but later became the 3rd Armored Amphibian Battalion. The 3rd took part in many Pacific battles and used the LVT(A)-1 at Peleliu and Bougainville. The LVT(A)-1 named “The Bloody Trail” belonged to 1st Platoon B Co. and received its name after an infamous trail on New Guinea referred to by Australian forces as “The Bloody Trail”.

Specifications for the LVT(A)-1 Manufacturer - Food Machinery Corporation (FMC).

Production Duration - December 1943 until early 1944 Units Produced - 510 All Variants -18,621 Users US Army - 328 USMC - 182 Crew - 5 Performance Power - 1 x 250 hp Continental engine Speed Land - 20 mph (32.18 km/h) Water - 7.5 mph (12.06 km/h) Range Land - 300 miles (482.8 km) Water - 150 miles (241.39 km).

Dimensions Length - 26 ft 1 in (7.95 m) Width - 10 ft 8 in (3.25 m) Height - 8 ft 1 in (2/46 m).

Weight - 30,000 lb (13,608 kg).

Armament Main - 1 x 37 mm cannon Secondary - 3 x .30 caliber machine.