LCM3 50ft Landing Craft & 4x4 Off Road Vehicle - 1:35 Revell - Limited Edition

[Julien]

LCM3 50ft Landing Craft & 4x4 Off Road Vehicle

1:35 Revell - Limited Edition

The LCM (or Landing Craft Mechanised)3 50ft Landing craft was a very simple vessel, basically just a box to carry troops, cargo, vehicles etc with a small bridge at the back above the engine compartment. it is estimated over 8000 were produced by the allies and it was used in a wide variety of landings. The Jeep (yes we all know its a Jeep but Revell don't want to pay royalties for calling it such!) was produced in vast numbers (over 800,000) and saw service in all theatres of WWII. It was robust and light weight, its four wheel drive system enabled it to go almost anywhere, It is probably one of the most recognised vehicles in the world.

The LCM 3 Kit.
This is another Revell release of an Italeri tool which dates back to 2004. The kit arrives as one large hull part with an additional 5 sprues of parts. The one part hull moulding is impressive and well moulded. The checker plate (or Durbar plate if you prefer) for the main deck is very moulded. Three figures are provided but these look a little oversized and are only in US dress.

Construction of the LCM starts underneath the main hull. The propeller shafts, propellers and supporting brackets are added. At the same time a few details such as inspection covers and drain exit holes are added to the main hull.

Thing then move to creating the interior of the LCM. The rear bulk head has its ladder attachments added. The sides have some detail attached and then these are attached to the main floor, the rear bulkhead is then added. Once these three sides of the interior are together they can be added into the main hull.

Various deck fittings (Lifting eyes, bollards, ventilation ducts, hatches are added at this point, along with a large deck plate at the rear. The steering hosing is constructed and enclosed in an armoured box which protected the helmsman. If modelling the US Navy version then two .50 CAL heavy machine guns and their mounts are constructed and added forward of the helm position.

Next the ramp of the landing craft is constructed and added. It can be placed in either the raised or lowered position. The line supplied from the kit can then be added as the cables for the ramp. If wanted a stand is supplied if you don't want to model the LCM as part of a diorama.

The Jeep
This again is an Italeri Kit. However the mould for this one dates back to the 1970's. While its not a bad kit, it is certainly not upto the standards of the LCM. The figures (A driver, standing figure with a carbine, and a kneeling figure with a recoilless rifle), certainly are poor.

Construction of the Jeep starts with the radiator and grill. These are joined together. Next the main body of the Jeep is assembled. The sides, back, and grill parts are added to the floor pan along with the dash area of the vehicle.

After the body is assembled construction moves to the chassis. First off the front and rear axles complete with leaf spring suspension units are made up. These can then be attached to the one part chassis. Once complete the chassis and body can be mated together. Gas strut dampers are then added between the body and chassis, and the exhaust parts are also added. The wheels are attached at this stage. The wheels are a single part with separate hub to allow them to move.

If wanted the next stage is to make up the engine. If you are just going to close the bonnet this does not need to be made up. The engine is a six part affair and looks pretty good for the time frame. If the modeller is going to display the bonnet open then I would suggest some scratch building of hoses etc would be needed.

Finally to finish of the Jeep the bonnet is added, along with the seats, mirrors, external tools and the windscreen (can be lowered or raised). The dash,steering column and wheel are then added along with the spare wheel and rear mounted jerrican. The last item to be fitted again needs a choice. The top can be up with a two-part moulded top, or down with just the rails attached to the body. A trailer is also supplied for the Jeep in the kit. This is a one part body and one part chassis onto which the suspension and wheels are added. The trailer is finished off with some lights and mountings.


Decals

Decals are provided for two different countries.

• For US you get US Navy markings for the LCM from Operation Overlord, and decals for the Jeep used by Two Star Major General CH Gerhardt. He commanded the US 29th Division at D-Day.
• For the British you get markings for a Royal Navy LCM3 used during The Invasion of North Africa (Operation Torch), and a Jeep used as the Personal Transport for Rear Admiral Royal Navy Depot Portsmouth.

Conclusion
The LCM will make upto an impressive sized model, I am told a little scratch building will be needed to create an accurate British LCM but this is well within the means of a moderate modeller. The jeep is also a good kit and the two can be made into a great looking diorama. Overall recommended.

Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers.

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