Jump to content
Playing in the Sandbox Group Build Sept 1, 2024 - Jn 1, 2025

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


Fran

Recommended Posts

  • Administrators

1:35

Beobachtungspanzerwagen Sd.Kfz 251/18 Ausf.A

 

IMG_2808.JPG

 

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.

 

IMG_2304.JPG

 

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.

 

IMG_2812.JPG

 

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.

 

IMG_2813.JPG

IMG_2336.JPG

 

IMG_2814.JPG

IMG_2816.JPG

 

IMG_2821.JPG

IMG_2822.JPG

IMG_2824.JPG

 

IMG_2825.JPG

IMG_2826.JPG

IMG_2827.JPG 

IMG_2828.JPG

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.

IMG_2818.JPG

IMG_2820.JPG

 

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

IMG_2325.JPG

 

IMG_2326.JPG

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.

 

IMG_2862.JPG

 

IMG_2327.JPG

IMG_2329.JPG

IMG_2330.JPG

IMG_2868.JPG

IMG_2869.JPG

IMG_2870.JPG

IMG_2871.JPG

IMG_2872.JPG

IMG_2873.JPG

IMG_2874.JPG

IMG_2875.JPG

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.

 

IMG_2817.JPG

IMG_2819.JPG

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.

 

IMG_2832.JPG

IMG_2833.JPG

 

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?

 

IMG_2829.JPG

IMG_2830.JPG

IMG_2831.JPG

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.

IMG_2876.JPG

IMG_2877.JPG

 

  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, 1st Panzer Division (1.Pz.D.) France, 1940;

 

IMG_2858.JPG

 

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

 

IMG_2859.JPG

 

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

 

IMG_2860.JPG

 

 

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

 

IMG_2851.JPG

IMG_2852.JPG

IMG_2853.JPG

IMG_2854.JPG

IMG_2855.JPG

IMG_2856.JPG

IMG_2857.JPG

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.

IMG_2305.JPG

 

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…

 

IMG_2306.JPG

 

IMG_2861.JPG

 

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

 

IMG_2836.JPG

 

IMG_2837.JPG

IMG_2838.JPG

IMG_2839.JPG

IMG_2840.JPG

 

IMG_2842.JPG

IMG_2843.JPG

IMG_2844.JPG

IMG_2845.JPG

IMG_2846.JPG

IMG_2847.JPG

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.

 

icm_logo_rgb-1-1024x1024.jpg

 

 

 

IMG_2823.JPG

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...