These Landing Craft Infantry vessels were capable of carrying up to 180-200 troops from rear bases at a speed of 15 knots and delivering them right to shore. The model offered here depicts the first series square conning tower, high bridge version with gangways on either side of the bow (the Royal Navy preferred a low bridge version). These "Elsie Items", as they were commonly called, saw action in virtually every amphibious action of World War 2 from March, 1943 on. Of particular note was their service at famous battles like D-Day, Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

An LCI(L) model was previously offered as an injection molded kit in this scale by Pit-road but it's the later Round Bridge version and it's definitely not one of this fine company's better efforts as the proportions are way off. High Bridge version LCI(L)'s have been offered in resin by both Loose Cannon Productions (the gold standard) and Niko (beautifully molded but very inaccurate). We believe that the 3D printed model offered here compares very favorably with the excellent Loose Cannon model and doesn't require any assembly. About the only quibbles are that the masts and five 20mm Oerlikon guns are too thick but they can be easily removed and replaced with stretched sprue and/or PE parts to create a stunningly accurate representation. We've posted high resolution photos so you can judge for yourself. While photography of this little gems is a challenge for our limited skills and equipment, check out the details like the gangways, deck furniture and bridge. Please note that photo #4 shows three LCI's but this auction is for ONE model only. These landing craft appeared in a wide variety of highly interesting camouflage schemes, particularly those used in the Pacific. The model includes two Measure 31 design scheme drawings with color references.

Although the surfaces are not perfectly smooth (3D printing is done in layers), the plastic used can be sanded and painted much the same way you would handle resin or styrene.

NOTE: While we currently maintain limited inventories of most items, some items may be "printed on demand", which usually requires 10-15 business days from order to shipment.