1:35 US Navy Amphibious Vehicle LARC-V (Extra Armour Version)

LARC-V 1:35, an amphibious vehicle, a kit from Gecko Models

An injection-molded plastic kit of a wheeled amphibious vehicle in 1:35 scale from Gecko Models. The box captures the LARC-V in the version with add-on armor as a vehicle of the US Navy. The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted; plastic cement, paints and basic modeling tools are needed to finish it.

The real subject

The LARC-V is an amphibious cargo vehicle developed to carry supplies from ships lying offshore straight onto an unprotected shore, that is, to places with no harbor and no ramp. Its tub-shaped light-alloy hull works as a boat hull on the water, while four large driven wheels let it drive out of the surf onto the beach and carry on over land. The vehicle proved itself in supply operations and in amphibious logistics, where bridging the stretch between ship and shore without a break in transport is the key. The version with add-on armor adds protection for the crew and for the most vulnerable places on the hull.

Building and painting tips

The large smooth area of the hull is ideal for practicing an even spray, but it will give away every sanding mark, so check it with a filler primer before painting. Test-fit the add-on armor parts dry so that they seat without gaps. A vehicle working in the surf takes a weathering of its own: salt staining and dried deposits on the lower part of the hull, chipping on the edges and rust streaks around the rivets and tie-downs. The wheels and the wheel wells deserve mud and sand.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of amphibious and logistic hardware in 1:35 scale
• Builders of dioramas on shore and landing themes
• Modelers who want to practice water, salt and sand effects
• Slightly advanced modelers

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.