Trumpeter 1/35 US Navy LCM(3) WWII Landing Craft |  | Overview  Fresh off of the docks, this kit showed up for review the day before the July issue went up, so I haven't had any time to really look up the history of the type. Basically, it's a landing craft that's capable of carrying a tank, and was used by both the British and the US during World War Two.
The Kit  Upon opening the box, you are greeted with a pile of plastic parts pristinely packaged in individual plastic bags. In addition to the plastic parts, there is a fret of photoetch and a length of tubing, wire, and twine. A small decal sheet provides numbers in white so you can model any LCM(3) you want. The parts are molded in a light gray plastic and feature exquisite detailing throughout. There are repeated references to different steps for the USN and RN versions, showing that Trumpeter has done their homework on this one.
 The construction is logical, with most of it being centered around the one-piece hull. The twin screws have separate shafts, with a multi-piece rudder assembly that surrounds the propeller/shaft assembly. Topside, the upper decking is in several pieces, with one large surround covering most of the diamondplate sections. The wheelhouse is made up of individual walls, which then fits over the instrument cluster on the main deck. This decking has clear instructions as to how to make a British or American model as well.
 The inner hull section is made up from four main pieces, with lots of extra details and railings surrounding it. This completed assembly then slides into the one-piece hull, with the main deck covering the rest of the hull. The bow ramp is also quite complex in appearance, but simple to construct, and is engineered to be functional. The pulley arrangement to raise and lower the ramp is provided with rotating pulleys, which are threaded with the twine to make the ramp operational.
 Details are prolific in this kit, and include vents, a fire extinguisher with plastic tubing hose, and various railings. Flotation rings are included, along with their photoetch mounts. Brass wire makes up additional detailing along the side of the hull. The twine is used both for raising and lowering the ramp and for tying on the floats for the side. There are also a pair of .50 caliber machine guns, with photoetch mounts and gun shields.
 The coloring for this boat is pretty simple, being pretty much a nondescript Navy gray overall. The detail painting is where this kit will really shine, and the instructions are quite good at calling out the colors for all of the details. The decals are printed by Cartograf and while they are nothing more than white numbers, they are well done and should have no problems in application.
 Conclusion
With the 50th anniversary of D-Day last month, this is a timely release from Trumpeter. The straightforward construction and overall simplicity of the model makes it a great addition to an armor modeler's collection. All you need is a Sherman to perch inside it. My thanks to Stevens International for the review sample. |
|
