Lindberg HL404/12 1/160 L.C.I. Infantry Landing Craft

This kit is made from molds nearly fifty years old, and it shows. The odd scale is based upon a philosophy of selling models that were scaled to fit a standard box. There are flaws in the design of the kit, and much work will be needed to make a faithful replica. It is not up to the standards of today's products with their photo-etched frets of tiny brass details, and thin-walled castings. I knew all of this when I ordered the kit. I am old enough to have purchased one when it was new on the market, and have wanted to build another for many years. I am glad this model has finally been re-issued. I gave this kit a rating of four stars based upon the description (I like it) because I do like it. Were I reviewing this for a modeling publication, I doubt it would get more than one star. The major reasons for the very low rating are parts never included in the kit (bow landing ramps) and the mis-shapen bows (the bow ramps - were they present - could not be lowered.

This is an old kit, so don't expect it to go together easily in a few nights. But with patience and some skill. it builds into a nice looking model. Plus its the only show in town if you want anything larger than 1/700 scale model of this craft. The fittings are oversized, there are plenty of gaps in the construction, but hey its called modelling not assembling. I would not recommend for small children. I am building a collection of amphibious assault ships and needed this one. I'm happy with results, but I scratch built many replacement parts and it took awhile to build.

usual lindberg quality. lacks a lot of detail

primitive kit by todays standards, but you know you were getting a re-issue. the sides of the wheelhouse are strangely flat, and there are other details left off entirely. a modern aftermarket photoetch kit or details would help make this model better.

It was the same kit I remembered building 50 years ago. It was fun to go back in time.

Nice

I rated it high it is a good start as i enjoy building my own detail into the model