The Landing Craft Personnel (Large) or LCP(L) was used extensively in Allied amphibious operations in the early stages of the Second World War. The LCP(L) was essentially a larger version of the shallow draft Eureka boat designed to operate in swamps by Andrew J. Higgins before the war. Constructed of plywood with armored bulkheads added to offer some protection for the troops on board, the design also proved excellent for operations on shallow beaches. The US Navy version LCP(L) incorporated two gunner's positions near the bow in an open cockpit (the British versions were mostly covered cockpits) and could carry 36 troops in addition to the 3 man crew. In landing operations, the initial assault wave troops were loaded in the craft before they were lowered from the davits into the water with subsequent troops required to climb down scramble nets to board returning craft. Unlike later landing craft, the LCP(L)s did not have ramps at the bow, so troops had to jump over the bow or sides to get out. The LCPs were used extensively in the landing at Guadalcanal in August 1942 and the Operation Torch landing in North Africa in November 1942.
We believe that these are the first models of the historically important LCP(L) ever produced in 1/700 scale. The set offered here includes 4 waterline models which should be perfect for a landing zone diorama (a companion set of full hull LCP models is also available). Photography of these is a challenge for our equipment and limited skills but we hope that we've been able to show the well-proportioned models and details like the two gunner positions near the bow, the open cockpit troop compartments separated with an armored bulkhead and complete with benches and the engine housing. About the only thing not included are the 1/700 troops!
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.
