LCI (G) 441

I built this model for my father. This particular LCI (G) was the ship my grandfather was on on February 3, 1945 providing cover for U.S. Navy "frogmen" conducting reconnaissance at Iwo Jima preparing for the invasion two (2) days later.

Of the original kit, only the basic hull and upper deck were retained as well as a few smaller components such as the smoke generators, winches, vents, lifeboat, and main mast pieces. The construction required an extensive amount of trial and error, construction, disassembly, and reconstruction as well as research designing and building the components and features needed to complete the model as accurate as possible.

The number of explicatives cited during the construction was not recorded!

The hull was modified to be more consistent with the square bow and infantry ramps using plastic styrene sheets and sculpting epoxy. The sidewalls of the main deck were modified installing openings near the front bulkhead stairs and strips of styrene installed to simulate structural reinforcements.

Sheet styrene was used to create the armor protecting the 20 mm cannons forward of the top deck and the five (5) gun tubs. 0.10 of an inch styrene rod and stretched sprue were utilized to create the railings, gun guards, antenna mast wires and radio antenna. Styrene rod was also utilized to create the rear antenna mast, rear deck lifeboat racks, rear anchor guard, and rear light mast.

The rear and front anchor systems were constructed of plastic styrene and the anchor cables were made using thin-strand copper wire.

Commercially produced pieces by Shapeways.com include the 40mm guns, 20 mm cannons, life rafts, fuel barrels, search light and naval crew members.

The conning tower, Mk 7 rocket launchers, 40mm Bofor ammo cans, Oerlikon deck boxes (2 sizes), tie-offs, life rings, bulkhead stairs, water-tight doors, and name plate were all printed using an Elegoo Mars 3D resin printer. With the exception of the Mk7 launchers, all of the parts were designed and revised multiple times using
TinkerCAD.com.

Aluminum foil was used to create the various tarps and covers as well as the base for the American flag depicting forty-eight stars as it would in 1945. Small pieces of balsa wood were cut and stained as well to create the simulated planks fore and aft.

After extensive research of both various LCI camouflage patterns and comparison to the various camouflage measures during World War II, Measure 31 was utilized, and the model painted as close to the patterns noted on reference photograph to LCI(G)-441.

After painting the model, a gloss finish was applied, and then various shades of oil-based washes were used to weather the decks and features. Weathering powders were also applied to simulate
exhaust stains for the rockets and other highlighted features upon the model.

After applying the various washes and weathering effects, the model was sealed with a matt varnish. The base of display is made of foam insulation board which was carved and shaped before applying
watercolor and tissue paper saturated with white glue to provide the base water texture.

After drying, shades of sea grays and blues finished with a gloss transparent blue were applied. The model was set within the base and then an acrylic water effect was used to secure the kit and complete the water base. Medium gel and tissue paper were used to create the white sea foam effect. After minor touch-ups, the model was completed almost one (1) year after beginning