LEGO Higgins Boat: Building History Brick by Brick

April 9, 2025 Emery Person

World War II is a period of history often revisited through documentaries, books, and museums—but what if you could hold a piece of that legacy in your hands? The LEGO Higgins Boat, a brick-built model inspired by the iconic D-Day landing craft, offers just that. Whether you’re a LEGO enthusiast, military history buff, or collector, this unique build delivers a perfect blend of education, creativity, and nostalgia.

In this article, we’ll dive into the significance of the Higgins Boat, how LEGO brings it to life, and why it’s becoming a must-have set for fans of historical LEGO builds.

What Was the Higgins Boat?

A Game-Changer in Amphibious Warfare

The Higgins Boat, officially known as the LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel), played a crucial role in World War II. Designed by Andrew Higgins, this flat-bottomed boat was capable of landing troops directly onto beaches—changing the way amphibious assaults were conducted.

Key features of the original Higgins Boat included:

A drop-down front ramp for quick troop deployment
Capacity for 36 soldiers or a small vehicle
Shallow draft for beach landings
Durable plywood and steel construction

Used extensively during the D-Day invasion of Normandy in 1944, the Higgins Boat earned praise from military leaders like General Eisenhower, who credited it as one of the weapons that won the war.

LEGO and Historical Builds

LEGO’s Growing Niche: Military-Inspired Creations

While LEGO traditionally avoids direct representations of modern warfare, there’s a growing community of designers and builders creating custom historical LEGO sets, including WWII vehicles and scenes. Among these, the LEGO Higgins Boat stands out for its historical relevance and authentic detailing.

Although there is no official LEGO-branded Higgins Boat set, third-party creators and fan-based platforms like Brickmania and MOC (My Own Creation) builders offer meticulously designed models for collectors.

Features of a LEGO Higgins Boat Set

What to Expect from This Brick-Built Replica

A quality LEGO Higgins Boat model typically includes:

Accurate scaling to match LEGO minifigures
Opening front ramp, replicating the iconic beach landing function
Interior troop compartments with seating and detail
Optional accessories like machine guns, crew minifigures, and historical decals

Depending on the builder or kit provider, some models even come with instructions for customizing the boat with different camo colors or battle damage effects.

Where to Get a LEGO Higgins Boat

Official Sets vs Custom Kits

As of now, LEGO does not officially produce WWII military sets, including the Higgins Boat. However, several reputable sources offer custom kits:

Brickmania – Known for premium, historically accurate LEGO kits
Rebrickable – Hosts fan-created instructions you can build with your own bricks
eBay and Etsy – Offer pre-assembled models and instructions
MOC creators – Independent designers with downloadable building guides

Pro Tip: Always verify the quality and legitimacy of the seller, especially when buying high-value kits or rare custom parts.

Why Build a LEGO Higgins Boat?

Combining Creativity with History

There’s more to a LEGO Higgins Boat than just an impressive display piece. Here’s why builders are drawn to it:

Educational value – A hands-on way to learn about D-Day and WWII logistics
Display-worthy design – A standout piece for desks, shelves, or dioramas
Build satisfaction – Challenging yet rewarding for intermediate to advanced builders
Perfect for MOCs – Great addition to a larger battle scene or beach landing build

If you’re into military dioramas, the Higgins Boat can be a centerpiece, especially when paired with LEGO tanks, bunkers, and soldier minifigs.

Tips for Building Your Own LEGO Higgins Boat

If you’re going the DIY route and want to build your own model, keep these tips in mind:

Use light gray or dark bluish-gray bricks to match historical tones
Add trans-clear bricks for water effects if creating a diorama
Look for hinged plates or Technic pieces for the working ramp
Add stickers or printed tiles for realism (e.g., boat numbers, insignias)
Incorporate minifigs with WWII-style gear for authenticity

Don’t forget to document your process—many LEGO fans share their builds on forums like Eurobricks, Flickr, or Reddit’s r/lego.

Final Thoughts: Build History with LEGO

The LEGO Higgins Boat is more than just a model—it’s a tribute to innovation, bravery, and the power of brick-building storytelling. Whether you’re building from a kit or crafting your own MOC, this boat offers a unique way to connect with history through the lens of LEGO.