ICM 1:24 Ford A Gangster Car

[rverissimo]

ICM

Ford A Gangster Car

Ref.24052

Introduction

ICM continues its unstoppable monthly sequence of new moulds or variations of existing models, in a dynamic effort to offer us a wide range of interesting and out-of-the-box subjects.

Such is the case with the model presented here. Being the third derivation of this mould (the first variation released in 2024), it offers a Standard Phaeton Soft Top version of the Model A (an evolution of the legendary and timeless Ford Model T), with a unique twist:

The possibility of decorating, after painting, with decals simulating bullet damage on the body panels and windows — the result of a shootout with law enforcement! Clearly, we’re talking about a gangster vehicle!

This set transports us into the world of Hollywood, with gangsters hanging off the sides of the car, gripping the door with one hand and firing a “Tommy Gun” with the other at the police cars chasing them!

What's in the box!

Inside the sturdy cardboard box, you’ll find:

 

10 grey sprues

1 clear plastic sprue

1 Rubber sprue (x5 tires)

1 Decal sheet

1 Instruction booklet

Altogether 219 parts.

 

Sprue A
This sprue provides various structural and exterior parts of the model, such as the front and rear fenders joined by the running boards, in the distinctive 1930s style, several parts of the engine block and cylinder head, as well as the gearbox and main chassis beams.

Sprue B
This sprue includes vehicle components such as: bonnet and side covers with moulded grille details, rear differential, exhaust pipe, radiator (in two parts), and the engine firewall panel.
The front headlights are supplied as a single piece.

Sprue C
This sprue provides the bodywork parts, including the floor, side panels (moulded as a single piece), and the interior cabin panels. Bench-style seats are also included.
The model does not allow the doors to be displayed in the open position.

Sprue D (x2)
This small but detailed sprue provides the necessary parts for constructing the wheels. Faithful to the period represented, they consist of two rims — one outer and one inner. Also included are the parts that make up the rear drums. Although these are partially hidden in the final assembly, they feature a remarkable level of detail.

Sprue E
Supplies the four tyres and one spare, made of soft black rubber.
Although not my preferred material, they offer adequate detail, particularly in the tread pattern.

Sprue F
This sprue contains miscellaneous parts detailing various sections of the model:
Steering wheel, gear lever, chassis crossbars and steering components, rear bumper, and various engine parts.

Sprue G
This sprue provides all the transparent parts used in the model: front windscreen (with moulded wiper), small ventilation windows, and the headlight lenses (moulded on the inside with the typical striations found in these lights). The parts are free from scratches and distortion, and are packed in a dedicated bag.

Sprue H
Dedicated solely to the soft top, it includes it in two parts along with its internal frame, allowing it to be folded down and converted into a cabriolet.
Note: this convertible option is not available.

Sprue J
This small sprue provides the dashboard and central console with gauges.

Sprue K (x2)
This small sprue, specific to this set, provides the gangster’s tools of the trade and their transport case 😊
Included are: one Thompson (aka Tommy Gun) submachine gun with the option of a standard magazine or the iconic high-capacity drum, a Colt Model 1911 revolver, and a transport case.

Decals
A sheet containing two licence plates, instrument dials, Ford logo for the radiator, and several bullet hole decals to properly decorate the vehicle as a crime scene car. They are suitably thin with minimal carrier film and perfect registration.

Instructions
The instruction manual follows ICM’s typical format. An A4 booklet with saddle-stitch binding, where the first two and last pages are printed on satin-finish paper (in colour), showing the box art and, on the final page, the painting and marking option in colour profiles, along with a colour chart referencing ICM’s paint range.
Colour mapping to other brands can be done using widely available equivalence charts online.

The manual guides us through 89 construction steps across 20 pages.
Clear and straightforward instructions leave no doubt about where each part goes.

Marking Option
A single decoration option is suggested, with two possible licence plates. The recommended colour is black with vivid green wheels.
However, a quick internet search reveals other possible body and soft top colour combinations.
A nice original touch is a small printed newspaper sheet that can be added to the final display!

Conclusion
This is a highly original set with great potential for a unique diorama! The detail is on par with other ICM offerings, consistent with a modern mould and finesse in its parts (as seen in the spoked wheel detail).
The inability to display the doors open or the soft top folded down doesn’t detract from its value, but would enhance the final presentation.
The inclusion of the gangster’s tools (Thompson submachine gun, Colt 1911, and money bag) makes the final result truly distinctive!

This model is recommended for modellers new to the hobby or more experienced builders looking to create something different and original. Of course, the addition of figures to match the theme would elevate it even further — and such options may appear, or can be sourced via the world of 3D printing…

our thanks goes to ICM for the review sample!

Ricardo Veríssimo