ICM 1:35 DShKM with support / tripod

[rverissimo]

ICM 1:35 DShKM with support / tripod

Catalogue number 35747

Introduction

ICM continues its dynamic approach of offering various scale kits and accessories to complement 1:35 vehicles and dioramas.
The set under review features the DShKM.
This heavy machine gun, a contemporary of the Western M2HB, has long been associated with the armed forces of the Eastern Bloc and with virtually every theatre where their military hardware has seen action. Whether used as a secondary weapon on the turret of an armoured vehicle, mounted on the deck of an attack boat, or more recently in improvised roles, its versatility is well documented.
The kit includes two identical sprues, offering options to mount the weapon on a base typically intended for fixed positions (a rectangular platform suitable for anchoring), commonly seen in bunkers, vehicle cargo beds, or even small boats, as well as a tripod mount generally used in mobile anti-aircraft roles.
With some modelling skill, this set can also be adapted to represent a secondary weapon mounted on the turret of an armoured vehicle.

What’s in the box!

Inside the familiar ICM cardboard box, we find a bag containing two identical sprues, an instruction leaflet, and a small colour chart featuring the ICM paint range.

Sprue W1 (x2)

This sprue provides all the parts needed to assemble the weapon.
The gun’s body and barrel are moulded as a single piece, with an acceptable level of detail for the scale. There is a mould line (a common limitation of injection moulding), but its removal should be straightforward and not pose a risk of damaging the part. The barrel is not hollowed out.
The remaining parts, molded in halves, form the mounting system for the tripod or fixed base, along with the sight and ammunition box.

No parts provided for the sight usually seen on the anti-aircraft duties.
Note: No 12.7mm ammunition belts are included.

Instructions
A small instruction leaflet is included, with a step-by-step assembly guide and reference to the available configuration options, along with colour codes for painting.
On the final page, both mounting options (tripod or fixed base) are shown.

Conclusion
This is a very simple set depicting a relevant military subject, which can greatly enhance a small diorama or vehicle scene.
The level of detail on the weapon is adequate and may well be a superior alternative to similar offerings from other brands, which may now be showing their age.

As such, this is a recommended set!

Many thanks to ICM for the review sample.

 Ricardo Veríssimo