GMC Duck Tour Amphibian / GMC Model 353 DUKW

Introduction: This is my D.U.K.W. Duck Amphibious Truck Project, based on a GMC Model 353. Liverpool is one of many cities that have had one of these converted as a tour vehicle in bright yellow. The first use of these unique amphibians altered for use as a civilian craft was in 1946 in Wisconsin (it is still going!) and there are still Ducks operating as tourist attractions across the world including London and Seattle. They have been used in the past as rescue vehicles all over the planet, I remember there used to be one in Southport, North West England and they have been used in Australia, Texas, California and New Orleans to assist in disaster relief.

History: The D.U.K.W. (colloquially known as Duck) is a six-wheel-drive amphibious modification of the 2-ton capacity trucks used by the U.S. military in World War II also known as the model 353. Designed by a partnership under military auspices of Sparkman & Stephens and General Motors Corporation (GMC), the D.U.K.W. was used for the transportation of goods and troops over land and water. Excelling at approaching and crossing beaches in amphibious warfare attacks, it was intended only to last long enough to meet the demands of combat. As mentioned in the introduction, surviving D.U.K.W's have since found popularity as tourist craft in marine environments.  

The build: I had to use a lot of inverted sloped pieces for this build to accurately replicate the lower hull and I used many clear window pieces for the upper canopy. The fun elements includes a crab on the bonnet, a moving hidden propeller at the rear and the eye 1x1 bricks to add to the "Duck" name the vehicle is most known for. In addition, I added a folding ladder type loading ramp and four seats for mini-figures. 

I made a loading dock for the four mini-figures (driver, female adult and two children) with lots of fun accessories including child and adult sized life jackets, a helmet with snorkel and goggles and a pair of flippers. I added a clam and a bus stop to the loading dock to complete the detail.

I believe this world famous iconic vehicle deserves to be immortalised in Lego form, the Liverpool Duck has transported the Queen and Prince Phillip when they visited the city, they were photographed in the Albert Dock when it demonstrated it's amazing agility in the water. I also think that different stickers could be included in the set to customize it to some of the cities that have used it as a tour vehicle.

Please follow and like, I always take time to read any comments made and I love to get feedback so I can improve my projects. I think four mini-figures would be a good selection with a set of this size, and it has four seats for the figures to sit inside the vehicle as well.