1:35 ICM Drone Hunters

[rverissimo]

Drone Hunters

Humvee M1097A2 with DShKM machine gun, gunner, observer and MANPADS operator

Ref: DS3531

Available here

Price: 41,30€

Introduction

The HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle), affectionately and universally known as the Humvee, originated in 1979, developed by AM General for the U.S. Army as a light all‑terrain vehicle. It was intended to replace the Vietnam‑era M151 Jeep and the M561 “Gama Goat”, as well as several other light vehicles in service at the time. Its versatility allowed for the development of multiple specialised variants (ambulance, command, etc.), and as operational theatres evolved, additional armour and crew‑protection equipment were introduced. The Humvee was adopted by numerous armed forces and remains a mechanised symbol of the U.S. military to this day. With the recent conflict in Ukraine, many of these veterans have found their way onto the battlefield, fulfilling various roles — in the case of this set, as drone hunters. This ICM set represents a Ukrainian team specialised in locating and neutralising enemy attack drones. In true Ukrainian fashion, the cargo bed features the classic Soviet DShK heavy machine gun. The Hummer provided in this kit represents the base model version (M1097A2), using a new mould from 2024, already released previously under the Revell brand.

What’s in the Box

Inside ICM’s typical sturdy and secure cardboard box, we find: • 13 sprues (2 of them clear) • 4 rubber tyres • A small decal sheet • An instruction booklet • A leaflet with ICM’s paint range This set is full of little surprises — and here’s why:

Hummer

Sprue A

This sprue includes the full chassis of the Hummer, along with the windscreen frame, the cabin firewall, and the side panels of the front wheel arches. Additional body components are also included.

 

Sprue B

Here we have the remaining bodywork elements: cabin floor, bonnet, a one‑piece side panel, and several smaller panels. The engine block (supplied in two halves) and the sump are also found here.

Sprue C

This sprue contains transmission components (differentials) and complete suspension axles. Two types of windscreen frames are supplied (armoured and unarmoured), although this version is not the up‑armoured variant.

Sprue D (x2)

These sprues provide duplicated components for the vehicle: two wheels, one of the two front seats (this is the cargo version, so the cabin features only two seats). The suspension springs come in halves, so some sanding and alignment will be needed to achieve a realistic appearance.

Sprues E and E1 (Clear)

These clear sprues contain the windscreen and headlight lenses. E1 provides the door windows and rear window. All clear parts are crisp and free from distortion or scratches.

Sprue F

Four rubber tyres are supplied. The tread pattern is well reproduced, though personally I find plastic tyres easier to paint and more realistic. 😊

Sprue G

This sprue provides exterior panels and canvas covers, moulded with a subtle ripple texture replicating fabric.

Sprues W Series

These three sprues include a variety of weapons. Although the instructions indicate that many parts are unused, they can of course be kept for future projects or added to this build.

Sprue W

This sprue contains the parts for the Stinger missile launcher carried by one of the operators, as well as personal weapons. It also provides a generous selection of additional weaponry — a Browning M2HB, a 105mm recoilless rifle, an RPG with ammunition, and various Western assault rifles.

Sprue W1

This sprue contains the DShKM heavy machine gun mounted in the cargo bed of the Hummer.

A detailed presentation of this set has already been made in thiw post, should you wish to learn more:

Sprue W2

This sprue includes small accessories such as the team’s helmets and their infrared‑vision mounts. Other accessories are marked as unused but can be incorporated into the build or saved for future use.

Sprue H3

These two sprues provide parts for the three crew figures. Each figure consists of two legs, torso, two arms, and a head — the standard breakdown for 1:35 injected‑plastic figures. Clothing texture and poses are appropriate for the moulding technology, with well‑defined facial expressions and hand details. The torsos come with moulded tactical vests, and accessories such as pouches and small first‑aid packs are included separately.

 

 

 

Decals

ICM’s decals are of the usual quality, with good definition, sharp printing, and minimal carrier film.

Instruction Sheet

As expected from ICM, the instructions are clear and well presented:

• Glossy paper with full‑colour painting and marking guides

• 16 pages, with the build spread across 69 steps

• Well‑drawn, easy‑to-follow diagrams with no ambiguity in part placement

Marking Options

One decoration option is provided for a generic vehicle under ukranian use.

Conclusion

This is yet another well‑balanced release from ICM, offering excellent value for money. The set is, by itself, capable of telling a complete story — vehicle, crew, and context — without requiring additional aftermarket investment. Of course, the modeller may always choose to upgrade or detail the build further, but the kit’s base offering provides everything necessary for a satisfying project. For beginners, this is a straightforward and trouble‑free build — simply assemble and paint! More experienced modellers may choose to enhance the Humvee with extra detailing, such as opening and detailing the engine compartment, adding stowage, or incorporating the personal gear and accessories typically found on front line vehicles, bringing extra life and realism to the scene.

This is yet another recommended kit, suitable for both experienced modellers and beginners!

our thanks to ICM for the review sample!

Avaliable here:

[belugawhaleman]

Thanks for the review😀 looks like an interesting kit . Nice selection of weapons. And the vehicle looks well detailed.

Paul

[Fran]

Thank you for the great review of a very interesting set!