1:35 DUKW 2½ GMC truck amphibious version - D DAY eighty years

DUKW 2.5t amphibious truck (1:35, Italeri)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the famous DUKW amphibious vehicle in 1:35 scale from the Italian manufacturer Italeri. The model represents the six-wheeled amphibious truck with a 2.5 ton payload, which combines the chassis of an ordinary military truck with a watertight boat hull, a propeller and a rudder. The kit is intended for gluing and painting; the exact contents of the box and the number of marking schemes differ between individual editions. Check the exact edition against the manufacturer's part number for this item.

The real subject

The DUKW, nicknamed the Duck, was an American amphibious truck derived from the standard GMC CCKW series military truck with all-wheel drive. It carried cargo and troops from ships directly onto the shore and across water obstacles. It proved itself during the Normandy landings, in the Mediterranean and in the Pacific, and in the river crossings at the end of the war. In the water it was driven by a propeller, on land by 6x6 wheel drive.

Building and painting tips

Cut the parts from the sprues and glue them with liquid modeling cement for plastic. Pay attention to the chassis and to the boat hull, which forms the characteristic outline of the vehicle. Apply primer before painting, ideally with an airbrush. Bring the olive drab finish to life with a wash on the panel and rivet detail and with fine pigments for the mud and dust effects that suit amphibious service.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of American Second World War equipment
• Anyone interested in amphibious and supply vehicles
• Modelers with experience of building in 1:35 scale
• Builders of dioramas on the theme of landings and supply

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