Gavin wrote:
>Gentlemen,
>Are there any Amtracs in private hands?
I know of a dozen or so that are privately owned and at least one that
swims. Tom Price of Bowling Green, Ohio (list member and USMC vehicle
collector) has a LVT-4 that he swims quite often. Tom has several ponds
near him and we have taken it out swimming several times this summer. Last
time out Tom put his M-38A1 USMC radio jeep in the back to add ballast so
the LVT would ride level. It's quite a thrill to go "yachting about" with
that big radial engine throbbing and the tracks throwing big "rooster
tails". The LVT is amazingly agile in the water and maneuvers like a speed
boat (only a bit slower). Tom has put a lot of work in it. When he first
found the LVT it was in rough shape and had been sitting outside for so
long that he had to cut down trees to get it out (it was wedged in tight).
You wouldn't know it now as it looks great! Tom and his LVT were part of
the Pacific War landing re-enactment down in Texas a year or so ago. They
made a video of it and I think the Nimitz museum has them for sale. By the
way, the name "water buffalo" for the LVT-4 is not a nickname but a actual
FMC given one. On a large, factory installed, data plate mounted on the
bulkhead (behind the driver) is a drawing of a water buffalo, horns and all !
There are at least two LVT-4s here in Michigan, one restored and running
(Dick Crawford) one unrestored but running (Bruce Macarthur). Frank Buck
in Pennsylvania also has a LVT-4 that runs. Dave Yamulla (probably spelled
wrong) has a beautifully restored LVT-4 (you have to take off your shoes to
go inside) also in PA. Fred Ropkey in Indiana also has a LVT-4
Henry Venetta has a LVT- (A)4 (has a turret with 75mm gun) he is restoring
at his museum in Hubbard ,Ohio as does Brent Mullens in Texas.
Given time I'm sure I can think of more.......
Jim Gilmore MVPA # 5843
Member Ist Michigan AOD Chapter MVPA
Great Lakes Chapter MVPA
Ohio Motor Pool Chapter MVPA
Red Ball Chapter MVPA
Ontario Military Vehicle Association
Midwest Military Vehicle Assocation
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This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Wed Jan 05 2000 - 22:42:06 PST