ICM 1:35 Panzerspähwagen (Funk) P204(f)

[rverissimo]

ICM 1:35 Panzerspähwagen (Funk) P204(f)

Ref.35378

Introduction

The Panhard 178 was one of the most iconic armoured reconnaissance vehicles of the pre-Second World War era, developed by France to equip its mechanised cavalry units. Featuring an innovative design for its time, combining good mobility, adequate armour and effective armament, it quickly became an essential element in French reconnaissance operations. After the fall of France in 1940, hundreds of these vehicles were captured by the Wehrmacht and incorporated under the designation Panzerspähwagen P204(f). The Germans adapted some units, reinforcing armament and modifying communication systems, in this case a rectangular frame antenna monted on the top of the vehicle, using a pivotal support on the top of the turret and the remaing supports on the rear of the vehicle. Usually used a radio FuG 10, used for long range communications, which operated on high frequencies. Employing them in patrol and security missions across occupied territories. This dual history — as a symbol of French defence and as a resource repurposed by the invader — makes the Panhard 178 a fascinating piece for any enthusiast of historic military vehicles.

This set released by ICM as command vehicle is in fact a new variation for the originally released in 2015, has already been offered by several brands and in various versions. However, this command variant in German Army colours (on wheels) is being made available for the very first time.

Whats in the box!

In typical ICM design, we have a top-opening cardboard box that protects its contents very securely. Inside, there are a total of eight sprues (two with the rubber tyres), and one of them contains the communication antenna typical of these radio-equipped versions. The box also includes an instruction booklet, a decal sheet, and a colour chart featuring ICM’s paint range.

At first glance, the kit offers a very acceptable level of external detail, with the numerous rivet lines that make up the vehicle’s structure standing out, as well as the complete underside protection of the hull. A full interior is provided—simple, but adequate considering what will be visible once the model is assembled. A complete engine and the two driver compartments are also included.

 

Lets then visit the sprues for more detail!

Sprue A

This sprue provides the outer side panels of the vehicle in a single piece, along with the entire lower structure where the parts will be mounted. The rivet detail on these pieces is noteworthy. The engine block is also supplied in two halves.

A very fine detail if you ask me!

The rivets details are impressive and present in all the hull

Interior detail is present in the one part mould lateral structure

Sprue B

This sprue includes the interior floor of the vehicle (onto which many interior details will be added), as well as horizontal plates of the armoured structure (rear cooling and engine access panels, side panels, and the front plate). A common feature remains the finesse of the details and finishes, such as the engine cooling grilles, which, despite being moulded in a single piece, faithfully represent the real panels.

the interior anti splip floor is present, allowing the final model to be present with doors and hatches open!

The cooling air panel is moulded in the rear panel, and it's very scale convincing !

Closer view !

Sprue C

This sprue contains various details for both the interior and exterior of the vehicle, such as the main gun (supplied in two halves), the turret and its ring, differentials, transmissions, and several components of the fighting compartment.

Sprue D (x2)

Four rubber tyres are provided. The tread pattern is appropriate for the scale, although personally, I still prefer plastic wheels.

Sprue E

This sprue provides the four wheel rims, which include interior detailing as well as the slots that will fit onto the differentials.

Sprue F

This sprue is dedicated to the communication equipment (in this case, three parts), while the remaining pieces are not used and correspond to the mast antennas of the French version.

Sprue F1

This sprue provides the parts to reproduce this specific version—the rectangular frame antenna moulded in a single piece, along with the pivoting and movable mount that allows turret rotation and the respective rear supports.

Decals

The small decal sheet includes licence plates, Balkenkreuz, tactical markings, and divisional insignia for the three decoration options. As we have come to expect from ICM, these decals offer excellent resolution and colour density, with almost no visible carrier film.

 

Instruction Sheet

In line with ICM’s usual quality, the instructions match the overall standard of the kit:

• Glossy paper with full-colour painting and marking profiles
• 16 pages, with the build process divided into 61 steps
• Clear and easy-to-follow assembly diagrams, leaving no doubt about part placement

Marking Options

Three options are provided, all in a single overall colour, although at least one of them (with winter camouflage) allows variation on the base colour (grey or the typical dark yellow).
Note: The instructions do not mention the placement of the wiring connecting the antenna to the radio set, although it can be observed on the marking options page.

• Option 1 – Panzerspähwagen (Funk) P204(f), 20th Panzer Division (20. Pz.D.), Eastern Front, 1941
  This option depicts a fully grey vehicle.
• Option 2 – Panzerspähwagen (Funk) P204(f), 20th Panzer Division (20. Pz.D.), Eastern Front, winter 1942 (probable appearance)
  This vehicle appears in a white winter camouflage.
• Option 3 – Panzerspähwagen (Funk) P204(f), Eastern Front, 1943
  This option allows for an overall dark yellow finish.

Conclusion

This is another variation of a model that, in reality, performed several roles, and this latest release expands the family of versions of this truly versatile vehicle. It is also a fact that its reissue by several brands (such as Tamiya, Revell, and Heller) proves the quality and originality of the model. It is a compact kit for its scale, which will appeal to many modellers—like me—who have limited display space 😊. It also allows for a dynamic diorama, as the access doors to the fighting compartment can be shown open, and the hatches and engine can be displayed. This is yet another recommended kit, suitable for both experienced modellers and beginners!

our thanks to ICM for the review sample!

Ricardo Veríssimo