Italeri 1/35 LCVP with U.S. Infantry

Kit No. 6524

The Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel — better known as the Higgins Boat or LCVP — became one of the most important Allied vehicles of World War II. Developed by Higgins Industries of New Orleans, the rugged landing craft participated in nearly every major amphibious operation of the war, including Sicily, Normandy, the Pacific island campaigns, and river-crossing operations in Europe. Capable of carrying troops, cargo, or light vehicles directly onto hostile beaches, the LCVP became an icon of the D-Day landings.

Italeri’s 1/35 scale kit recreates the famous landing craft with a full complement of U.S. infantry and crew figures, making it one of the best ready-made Normandy diorama starting points available in injection-molded plastic. The 2014 tooling is considered a modern Italeri release rather than a vintage reissue.

Builder & Reviewer Feedback

Builders consistently praise the kit for:

• Excellent D-Day diorama potential

• Large and impressive display size

• Inclusion of 25 infantry figures

• Strong Normandy landing atmosphere

• Modern tooling quality compared to older Italeri kits

• Good value considering the figure count

• Excellent weathering opportunities

Retailer listings frequently highlight:

• 1 landing craft

• 3 crew figures

• 25 multi-pose U.S. infantry figures

• D-Day Normandy theme

• Modern tooling and decal sheet

The IPMS/USA review of the related U.S. infantry figures specifically noted:

Modelers and social media build reviews frequently mention:

• Excellent figure posing opportunities

• Strong compatibility with beach dioramas

• Good fit overall

• Impressive finished appearance

• Large weathering canvas

• Ideal centerpiece for Normandy displays

Builders commonly note several challenges:

• Large hull sections require careful alignment

• Figure cleanup can be time-consuming

• Some ejector pin marks inside hull areas

• Painting 25 infantry figures is a major project itself

• Ramp alignment benefits from dry fitting

However, many builders specifically recommend the kit because:

• It creates an instant story scene

• Few kits include this many figures

• The subject has enormous historical recognition

• It works for Normandy, Pacific, and Korea-era scenes

Advanced modelers often add:

• Resin water bases

• PE detail sets

• Sandbag stowage

• Additional infantry equipment

• Water effects and surf

• Beach obstacles and Czech hedgehogs

• LED lighting for displays

Recommended Skill Level

Intermediate

Features

• 1/35 scale LCVP Higgins Boat

• D-Day Normandy 1944 edition

• 25 multi-pose U.S. infantry figures

• 3 landing craft crew figures

• Detailed troop compartment

• Opening front ramp

• Large diorama-ready display

• Modern Italeri tooling

Paint Suggestions

• Olive Drab No. 9

• Navy gray hull weathering

• Saltwater fading effects

• Wet wood deck weathering

• Heavy beach sand and mud effects

• Matte operational finish recommended

Builders frequently recommend:

• Surf and waterline effects

• Muddy boots and troop weathering

• Chipped ramp paint

• Salt streaking

• Exhaust staining

• Wet-look beach effects

Store Recommendation

One of the best WWII amphibious assault diorama kits available in 1/35 scale. The combination of the Higgins Boat, large infantry complement, and Normandy theme gives the kit outstanding storytelling and display potential for both experienced modelers and WWII history enthusiasts.