Landing Craft Mechanical (LCM3)

An UpdateThe Landing Craft Mechanical 3 (or LCM3)  is the boat most of us call to mind when the words ‘Landing Craft’ are mentioned.  It is the one most associated with the Normandy landings on ‘D’ day and was widely used throughout the pacific war by United States forces.

 

During our research into landing craft we discovered many other types, all of which merit a model in their own right.  There were some wonderful vessels to choose from, ranging from Vehicle/Personnel (LCVP) landing craft right up to the huge tank landing craft or LCT’s, and of course there were some fantastic German vessels too.

We have taken six months longer than planned to get this model to market but, I believe it is all the better for the change in manufacturing methods.

 

To start with, the hull is now GRP and it features the buckled panels from the welding process, (for that ‘starved dog’ look).  Its a super moulding, very strong and light with lots of nice touches.

 

All the fabricated structural parts making up the bulkheads, inner walls, floor and wheelhouse are made from laser-cut  ABS. This makes for easy assembly because everything fits perfectly, ABS is very tough and easy to glue. Smaller, detailing parts are made from white acrylic sheet ensuring they are cut very cleanly.

 

The decks are covered in scale checker-plate and are very authentic indeed. All laser cut to shape of course.

 

All the castings are resin and of very fine quality. They include the two 0.5 Browning machine guns used on the US version, the engine room ventilators, rope fenders and truck tyres to hang over the side, steering wheel, throttle levers, fire extinguisher and bollards.

 

Weld seams for the wheelhouse are made from etched brass to give a very authentic look.

 

A substantial etched brass fabrication carries the motors, the rudder servo and the door opening mechanism, all accessible by lifting off the rear deck and wheelhouse. The batteries and the radio go in there too.  

 

Brass prop-shaft tubes, fitted with bronze bearings and stainless steel shafts are supplied together with the drive couplings.

The props are nylon fitted with brass inserts so damage from running aground is very unlikely.

 

The rudders tubes are injection moulded nylon with ‘O’ ring seals to prevent leakage. Fabricated ‘true section’ brass rudders with heavy brass rudder posts are carried on 1/4” square brass rod which, together with the  heavy etched brass keel extensions provide good mechanical protection when the boat is run aground and all very scale like.

 

Etched brass is used to make many fabricated parts including the keels, gun mounts and shields, brackets for the door lifting mechanism, railing bosses and instrument panel among others.

A ‘generic’ vinyl lettering set is supplied for both a US and a British version as are the optional parts required for the British version. Instrument faces are also part of the set.

 

The loading ramp/door has a moulded front panel, laser cut to fit perfectly. This technique has never done before as far as I know and it looks great.

 

Everything needed to build a very scale, museum quality, display model or a rugged, radio controlled, tank carrying landing craft is included in the kit.

A perfect partner for a radio controlled 1/16th scale Sherman tank!

 

Price is yet to be finalised but please drop me a line or call if you would like to know more.

The first twenty five kits are in production now and many have been allocated already so please contact me if you would like to be amongst the first twenty five to have one. I’m not taking deposits, just register your interest.

 

A set of three, cast resin figures will be available as optional extra.