1:35 ICM US field stove M1937 with cooks

[rverissimo]

ICM 1:35 US Field Stove M1937 with cooks

Ref:35619

Introduction

ICM is a well-known player in our modelling world, and over the years has consistently delivered increasingly detailed and intricate models. In this case, we have a small model with a big history, recognized by almost the entire modelling community.

When I received this item to review and upon the box opening there were some parts that call my attention, and I resume in the following comment:

“Chicken wings anyone?”

What’s in the box:

In the small and rigid box, we have four sprues (3x A sprue), for a total of 296 parts, an instruction manual, and an informational leaflet from ICM showcasing their range of paints with the available colours.

The three "A" sprues provide the parts for assembling three M1937 ovens, which were commonly found in field kitchens.

In reality this set allowed for a wide range of menus to be prepared—provided the ingredients were available!

The M1937 basic equipment consists of the fire unit, two aluminium cooking pots of 15 gallons (pot, cook) and a second pot of 10 gallons (pot, cook, and insert), together with their covers and a cradle for stability. There is also an aluminium roasting pan with its cover and a roast/bake pan.

Depending on the meal being cooked, the burning unit could be assembled in an elevated position, allowing, for example, frying.

These sprues have already been shown and described in the review for the US Army kitchen truck, also from ICM.

So let's review the sprues:

Sprue A

As already mentioned, the part details are good, providing components to complete three ovens and accessories. Also included are some jerrycans, supporting cooking cutlery, and a cooking bench (three are supplied, but only one is used).

 

 

Sprue B – "Chef and crew"

The second sprue provides the parts to assemble four figures. The distribution of parts follows a common structure:

• Two pieces for the legs (left and right)
• The torso
• The head and a separate hat (one of the heads has the cap moulded in)
• Two hands (left and right) and some trays with assorted food
• And a chicken! 😊 (four parts)

The sculpted details are suitable for injection moulding and plastic. With easy assembly and painting, the figures will be detailed enough to be included in a diorama.

The chef is dressed in a typical outfit for his profession (complete with a white hat and kitchen coat) and proudly holds a roasted chicken fresh from the oven, ready for carving!

Speaking of the element that caught my attention the most (the chicken!), it is made up of four parts!

The second figure has been sculpted preparing what I believe to be a potato or onion at the workbench, with one of the arms already moulded with a kitchen knife. The pose is natural.

The third assistant is standing in front of the stove frying burgers. The right hand is moulded with a spatula, suggesting he is flipping the meat on the grill. In his left hand, he holds a cloth. His posture clearly shows someone trying to protect themselves from potential burns on the hand or body, which I particularly liked for the dynamic feel it conveys.

A technical note: For this figure, the stove should have the burning unit assembled in a higher position (on the upper shelf). This is not indicated in the assembly instructions, but it is correctly shown in the painting instructions!

Lastly, we have the assistant using the air pump. I was curious as to why this figure was using such a device on the stove, and after investigating, I found the explanation:

"The air pump is attached to provide the necessary air pressure into the system. During operation, it should be maintained between 30 and 50 pounds per square inch, hence the pressure gauge on the right indicating the air pressure."

The tube connecting the air pump to the oven is not supplied, but a piece of copper wire or soldering wire will do the job.

Instructions

Maintaining the level of quality we have come to expect, the instructions are in line with the rest of the model:

• Satin paper with coloured painting and decoration profiles.
• Eight pages, with the construction process divided into 38 steps.
• Colour paint instructions with paint references for ICM colour range offering

Conclusion

Over-viewing, the four figures add their own perspective to a narrative—in this case, a fully operational field kitchen. 

Each element clearly presents its role in the scene, and I see the set as a valuable addition, as it own or as part of a larger history, as this is a relatively accessible set loaded with many accessories that will make any modelling scene richer and original.

A highly recommended model!

thanks to ICM for the sample review !

Ricardo Veríssimo