In the Second World War, it was the job of the LCT - Landing Ship Tank - to bring the armor onto the beaches.
![LCT(5) in original packaging LCT(5) in original packaging](showcase/ww2navshowcase/262185a.jpg)
This 1/285th scale model in the Image Replicas line from Image Studios depicts the LCT(5) (the Mark 5 version). It comes packaged in a large, clear plastic box well padded with foam. There are four resin components: the hull, landing "door," and two ventilators.
![Door and ventilators Door and ventilators](showcase/ww2navshowcase/262185b.jpg)
There are no assembly directions. The door obviously goes on the front - though whether you want to permanently attach it in the up or down position, or leave it loose, is up to you.
![LCT(5) hull LCT(5) hull](showcase/ww2navshowcase/262185c.jpg)
The ventilators fit in holes on the sides of the hull. But which direction do they face? The only reference I've found so far shows one (left) pointing forward and the other (right) aft.
The shape of the model corresponds well to plans that I've checked it against. Advanced modelers may desire to track down appropriate photographs and add extra detail.
![LCT(5) with 5 CNC Sherman tanks on deck LCT(5) with 5 CNC Sherman tanks on deck](showcase/ww2navshowcase/262185d.jpg)
The model measures 117mm long and 36mm wide - which by my math, makes the model about 5% too short lengthwise, but about right in the beam. The important thing, however, is that you can fit five microscale tanks on deck!
![LCT(5) with 5 CNC Sherman tanks on deck LCT(5) with 5 CNC Sherman tanks on deck](showcase/ww2navshowcase/262185e.jpg)
The only defect I found on the sample kit was some flash on one of the ventilators, and a fraction of a lip (barely noticeable) under the front hull.