The Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel (LCVP) or Higgins boat was a landing craft used extensively in amphibious landings in World War II. The craft was designed by Andrew Higgins of Louisiana, United States, based on boats made for operating in swamps and marshes. More than 20,000 were built, by Higgins Industries and licensees. Typically constructed from plywood, this shallow-draft, barge-like boat could ferry a platoon-sized complement of 36 men to shore at 9 knots (17 km/h). Men generally entered the boat by climbing down a cargo net hung from the side of their troop transport; they exited by charging down the boat’s bow ramp.
The Kit
This is a classic model kit from a classic company, Airfix. They have been in my model kits stash for a while and recently I decided to bring this LCVP to life. These kits are very simple and affordable at $10 USD or less. They are perfect for a gift and that little young model builder of the family.
For the most serious modeler, this kit has room for scratch building and small dioramas. The downside of some of these 1/76th scale kits from Airfix is that one has to deal with lots of ejection pin marks and mold misalignment. As a result of the later, a lot of time has to be dedicated to cleaning parts.
Great for a weekend build or a short break from a more extensive build. Included with the kit but not shown here are a few obstacle girders (Czech Hedgehogs) as seen in Utah and Omaha Beach during D Day.
