Landing Craft Infantry (Gunboat) were conversions of LCI's intended to provide close-in fire support for landing operations. They were the result of a hard lessons learned at Tarawa that, despite the plastering of a target by the well seaward big boys with heavy ordnance up to 16-inch guns, more ships with strong firepower capable of working close to the beach were needed to deal with enemy survivors still entrenched after the bombardment ceased in pillboxes, revetments, foxholes and caves. A total of 86 LCI(L)'s including 44 of the early version LCIs (1-350) were converted to the gunship configuration that was also effectively used to intercept and destroy enemy barge traffic operating in shallow waters that the bigger ships couldn't enter.

We believe that the 3D printed model offered here compares very favorably with comparable (and excellent) Loose Cannon amphibious resin/PE models and it doesn't require any assembly. About the only quibbles are that the masts and 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, bridge and that 3"/50 gun on the platform erected near the bow! Please note that photo #4 shows two LCI's but this auction is for ONE model only.

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.