Fonderie Miniature 1/35 LCA

History

The LCA (Landing Craft, Assault) was the British version of the US LCVP, only more heavily armored. 486 LCAs were used in Operation Overlord (D-Day) and each could carry 36 fully equipped troops and a crew of four. The LCAs, like other landing craft of similar size, were carried aboard larger troop and assault ships.

The Kit

This is the first time I've heard of a landing craft in 1/35 scale molded in styrene. Verlinden has released an expensive resin landing craft in 1/35 scale, but this subject has gone otherwise ignored.

As you can see in the photos, the detail is nicely done, from the hull to the metal and wood decking (nice cast detail!). Quite a few details are included on four parts trees that are molded in light gray styrene and three additional small trees are included cast in white metal.

As FM kits are typical limited run productions, a bit of filing, sanding and dry fitting will be needed to get everything to settle in together. Nevertheless, there are no obvious glitches visible in this kit and assembly should pose no problem for the average modeler.

Markings are provided for LCA 431 which was reportedly lost during the landings at Normandy.

Conclusions

Who would have thought we'd see a landing craft kit in 1/35 scale? This will make a great centerpiece in a D-Day vignette!

This kit is recommended!

My sincere thanks to Squadron for this review sample!