Armageddon 1/72
LCT(6) USN Landing Craft

Background

The LCT -Landing Craft Tank- were large barges used to convey a landing force from the sea to the shore during an amphibious assault. These had a bow ramp at the front which was dropped for the vehicles to get ashore. Characteristics of the LCT Mark 6 are 119' length; 32' beam; 4' draught; displacement of 284 tons to full load; speed of 8 knots; could transport 4 Sherman tanks, or 3 tanks of 50 tons, or 150 tons of cargo. The propulsion was ensured by three 225hp diesels, each involving a propeller. The crew was 1 officer and 11 sailors. The armament consisted of two of 20 mm Oerlikon cannon each side of the bridge structure. These landing craft were used at the time of the D-day landing in Normandy and also in others theatres of operation, in particular in the Pacific and after WW2.

The Kit

The model molded in light Gray styrene is contained in a large illustrated box of a scene from D-day June 6, 1944 in Normandy. Two principal parts without sprue constitute the hull and deck; four other parts are also individual. The other parts are located on two large sprues, one for the elements of the superstructures and one for the equipment and the figurines.

The molding is short run type with the limitations due to the technique of manufacture of the moulds, but the parts are well detailed. It will be necessary to separate the parts with much care from the sprues because of the danger of damaging them. The assembly will require time and much care, and putty will be sometimes necessary. The horizontal guard rails are not provided and will have to be made out of stretched plastic as well as the antennas. The cable of the anchor and the cranes will be obtained from sewing thread. The bars of the ladders will have to be manufactured from wire (provided); the chains for raising front bow ramp are provided in the box. A small decal sheet comprising white markings is included.

The instruction on a photocopied A3 back shows only a few of the subassemblies with some painting information. There is no painting guide at all, and there is no decal placement guide. It will not be easy for an inexperienced modeler, this being an example of a recurring defect by this manufacturer.

Markings

Markings are included for one example:

• LCT(6) nr 538

Conclusion

Armageddon has provided a kit on a very interesting subject. This model is complementary to models of landing craft already manufactured under labels Armageddon (LCVP and LCA) and Trumpeter (LCM 3). There is now the possibility of making a great diorama with these models. Nevertheless this kit is reserved for the advanced modeler. Before beginning construction it will be necessary to gather a good documentation.

My sincere thanks to my friend Didier Palix http://www.mach2.fr/ for this review sample!

Definitely recommended!