Introduction

The landing craft air cushion (LCAC) is a high-speed, over-the-beach fully amphibious landing craft capable of carrying a 60-75 ton payload. It is used to transport weapons systems, equipment, cargo and personnel from ship to shore and across the beach. The advantages of air-cushion landing craft are numerous. They can carry heavy payloads, such as an M-1 tank, at high speeds. Their payload and speed mean more forces reach the shore in a shorter time, with shorter intervals between trips. The air cushion allows this vehicle to reach more than 70 percent of the world's coastline compared to only 17% with conventional landing craft.

Review

TRUMPETER KIT
Item No 07302
Item Name USMC Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC)
Bar Code 9580208073026
Scale 1:72
Item Type Static Kit
Model Brief Length:372mm Width:198.6 mm Height: 95mm
Total Parts 338pcs
Photo Etched Parts 1pcs
Total Sprues 9 sprues, lower hull , deck and cushion
Paint Schemes United States Marine Corps , LCAC
Released Date 2009-04
More Features " Hull
- One-piece hull with full deck made from four-directional slide moulds
- Cargo deck scupper pattern finely rendered
- One-piece cushion

A very sturdy box with spacers and special covers for certain parts start you off on this very interesting subject. If you ever wanted the ultimate diorama base then this would have to be it. With there being plenty of modern 1/72 AFVs on the market you can truly make something look stunning and naturally swap the load-out.

Trumpeter did a nice job packaging this kit and I especially appreciate the plastic form case for the bladder and very ridged box for the deck and joiner. The level of detail is reasonably to scale yet the fan guards are a bit thick. Attachment points are pretty good size wise and you’ll find very little flash and only slight burring. All the distinct aspects of the kit are separately bagged, boxed and encased.

The level of exterior detail is very good and with the decent number of parts will give a nice overall dimension. Plenty of photo-etch grills will take detail to a greater level, although you may consider scratch building some behind the PE to give your model more depth. An example of needed detail is the interior of the bridge. The seats, console and deck are good, but the walls and bulkhead will definitely be seen through the large windows. I consider this a perfect opportunity to bring it to life and add lighting as well, being that there is ample space on the belly of the kit for components and batteries.

The bladder is made of rubber and quite thick yet has a nice full power shape. With some work it will give slightly to conform to a rough surface. How it will stand up to primer, paint and weathering products remains to be seen. The deck plate is textured a little rough and you may consider sanding it to your liking, but when covered in the vehicles of your choice and weathered should be fine as is. Clear parts are passable yet have a very slight distortion, which is odd considering they are flat. The PE is very fine and remarkably strong and, thankfully, there is plenty of it. Decals are quite thin with vibrant colors, but the US flags are poor with the blue needing to be painted darker and cover the misregistered bars. Color call out is USMC in Mr. Hobby, Vallejo, Model Master, Tamiya and Humbrol.

Conclusion

There are plenty of photos on the LCAC and being that Trumpeter have made this large 1/72nd scale you have lots of room for weathering. Again, adding tanks, LAVs, trucks, etc. will make this an incredible showcase. One word of caution though, “heavy”… this is one beefy kit.