1:35 ICM Beobachtungspanzerwagen Sd.Kfz 251/18 Ausf.A

[Fran]

1:35

Beobachtungspanzerwagen Sd.Kfz 251/18 Ausf.A

 

 

ICM

Catalogue number 35105

Price: around 41,50€

 

 

ICM keeps launching new kits every month, or new variants of their pre-existing kits.

If we just review a brand new 1:48 B-26, now a new variante a Sd.Kfz 251/18, the Beobachtungspanzerwagen, which means “Observation armored car”

And that is explicit by the boxart.

 

 

So another model kit that is original and kudos to ICM to not be afraid of releasing these more unusual model kit.

As I said, this is base on the ICM released in 2018 and was review back then by  our Jim Hatch, here.

So I don’t have much to say beside that but here it goes.

But, as usual, let`s crack the box.

 

The package is the usual from ICM, with flip top cardboard with a separate card lid showing the artwork, a lovely artworks as usual.

 

 

I don’t know who makes the ICM box arts but I do like them.

Not my favourites but I do like them.

First of all, this model kit is in fact, a sort of combo kit as you have the Beobachtungspanzerwagen Sd.Kfz 251/18 Ausf.A and a set of figures, more specific, the German Command Vehicle Crew (1939 to 1942) - set n.º 35644 and WWII German observer officer.

So you got 5 figures inside this combo.

The sprues come as usual in resealable plastic bag and they are seven ones.

The original release seen on Jim`s review had only 5.

 

So the extra two new sprue for the Sd.Kfz 251/18, are the J and H.

 

Checking the plastic, which is quite good to work with, as is consistent and not brittle at all.

The total parts are 315 but not all will be used I reckon.

Before I check the new sprues, let me waddle around the sprues.

 

 

 

 

 

As usual, the surface detail on ICM is quite good, and this model as a full interior…

Also as usual, you can make a very nice replica straight from the box. The ones who would like some extra detail can get PE and resin but straight from the box you already get a very nice detailed replica. And this is the ICM is looking forward and they are consistent making it. Kudos to them.

 

I really the Maybach HL 42 6-cylinder petrol engine.

 

This is an AFV model kit but it does have quite a few clear parts.

 

ICM clear parts are one of the best in the modelling world (just check the clear parts on the He-111 or on the Ki-21 Sally), so these one are no exception.

 

The tracks and wheels.

The front drive wheels and the tracks are in black vinyl. It`s not the first I said this, but I don’t like vinyl track and wheels only because of painting and weathering but it`s me.

Although these ones have good detail and the tracks are not link by link.

 

 

However, for me, it`s not a break deal, but I would try to get some new metal/resin tracks and new wheels.

 

The construction is quite straightforward and I like how the lower section is made, giving much less room to mistake in the alignment.

 

In fact, the same thing can be said about the upper section!

 

There’s not much to say as Jim`s hasn`t said…

Now checking the new kit parts to make the observation version.

 

The J sprue is the observation deck on the top of the vehicle. It´s in fact what same the vehicle profile.

 

 

So you get some “deck” steel platform, some binoculars (those fix on the vehicle) and a large antenna.

 

Now you are thinking…and the H sprue is for what?

 

Radio station!

A radio console to be in back on the vehicle. The detail on the dials and buttons and for the isntruments ICM give some white decals to put. Here I think the detail on the decals could be a little better with some detail on the dials (sort of number, indicator) than just plain white.

But this is a very minor detail and you, as I already said a very good replica form the box.

The decal sheet is design by ICM, produce outsourcing.

 

  but has a good colour registration and all the plates and symbols to make the three version of the box which are:

-      Beobachtungspanzerwagen Sd.Kfz 251/18 Ausf.A, 1^st Panzer Division (1.Pz.D.) France, 1940;

 

 

-      Beobachtungspanzerwagen Sd.Kfz 251/18 Ausf.A, 1^st Panzer Division (1.Pz.D.), unknow subdivision, Belarus, 1941

 

 

-      Beobachtungspanzerwagen Sd.Kfz 251/18 Ausf.A, 1^st Panzer Division (1.Pz.D.) Eastern Front, 1942;

 

 

 

The instructions booklet with 32 pages, is typical ICM instructions, very clear.

 

Only ICM colour chart, but these paitns are coming more available and I already try with a brush and I was surprised with the pigmentation. I will make more tests and with airbrush.

 

 

        

 

Next, the figures.

There`s no box whatsoever as this is a combo.

 

You got five figures and there`s sprues diagram and painting instructions. Not assembly instructions are given… but if you look carefully we see the parts numbers on the figures. So there´s is assembly instructions and it shouldn’t be hard to do…

 

 

 

The figures in plastic from ICM are very good. ICM plastic is very good

 

 

 

Even the faces are very detail, which is quite difficult in injection plastic.

There`s the seam line mould that is need to be removed but with care and patience you get a good result. That seams line is from the moulding so is inevitable. But if it easy to be remove on legs, arms, is not that easy on the face and specially on hands. So take your time… or if you want to get the best of the best of these figures, just get hands and faces in resin (Hornet are the best ones for me).

As for the detail, and starting with the clothes I think that are quite well reproduced, but not being a Vietnam clothes specialist, I `m quite happy with the detail. Not as sharp and clear detail as resin but still, very good for plastic.

The posture and body positions are quite convincing and very well reproduce making all the figures in a natural pose which is a quite hard task to do.

The hands of all figures are very well made for injection and as I already said, with care and patience to remove the seam line you will get a good result

Also, these figures are independent of each other, so you can chose to use all or only one or two.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Well, another great model kit from ICM!!

It’s a super AFV model, superblydetail with full interior with trew option to the modeler.

The construction is well thought to help the modeler with the alignment.

This combo is begging to be put in a little diorama. You just need to make a base!

It`s a superb kit!

Highly recommend 

It`s 9,8 out of 10.

My sincere thanks to ICM for making this fantastic model kit.