ICM 1:35 S-64E Skycrane

[Fran]

1:35

 S-64E

Skycrane

 

Cat n.º 53058

Price tag: €139,50

Available here

 

ICM done it again.

A huge Sky Crane hit the shelves once again but this time is the Civilian Version

I already had the privilege to review the Military version, the CH-54, so I will check  this review in terms to see the new parts to make the civilian version.

There is a lot of video of the S-64 in flight -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXTrWevjjro

 

This particular version almost the one on this box (this one on the video is “Elvis”.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e36yFXl35Mo

 

And in this page, a lot of pictures of several S-64E. The sky is the limit!

 https://www.jetphotos.com/aircraft/Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane

Here are some pictures of the real thing...

 

 

ICM where is the water tank? Please do it!

As for the military version, the box is the same size (very big one) and with full of plastic.

The plastic is typical from ICM, in grey colour, with very good surface details as are all ICM models kits.

In my model I have some moulding lines that are easy removed and perfectly normal in a standard model kit.

Don't have any flash. The moulding quality is quite good in all dimensions, large parts and very small parts.

 

The surface detail is quite good, actually, is best one I have ever seen in an ICM model kit so far. Next review it will be the Hampden so let’s see if it surpasses the Sikorsky.

 

 

 

We already have a pleasure to review the previous release of the CH-54 so the main thing is to find whats is in this box that is different from the Military version besides, the obvious decals.

Comparing with the military version, this civilian version has more three sprues, the N, the L and the M.

 All others are the same but there`s a lot of parts not to use. You will get, by the end, a lot of spare parts.

 

 Starting with the clear parts, this version brings in the N Sprue the side windows with the bubble side (sorry if that is not the correct word for it) so the pilot and co-pilot can have a much clear view to the ground.

 

 

 The new clear sprue:

 

The L sprue, gives the modeler, new front reactors, new instruments panels, new side instruments, and mainly a all-new upper main body.

 

 

Finally, the M sprue brings some extra parts as turnbuckles, struts, hinges and others small details.

 

 

 

 

As for seatbelts, ICM don’t give them moulded on the seat (thanks!!!) but also don’t give any PE (as they don’t have outsourcing – it`s a all in product) so you will have to source out somewhere, either aftermarket either scratchbuild.

As overall, the plastic quality is impressive, with nice molding, sharp details, and no major flash. External features like rivets, panel lines, and structural elements are well-reproduced, enhancing visibility under paint. The engine bays are nearly fully exposed, inviting weathering and aftermarket enhancements like wiring or resin details and there`s a lot of AM for the Sikorsky.

 

 

The decal sheet is a quite large one, very well printed, with good color and pigment saturation.

 

 

 

 

The sidedown is only two schemes

: Erickson Air-Crane N154AC "Georgia Peach"

 

 

Protezione Civile N194AC "Delilah"

 

 

 

Some of the decals are quite big so be careful in handling and placement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The instructions booklet

The instruction book is a A4 size with 32 pages with the first and last page in glossy paper.  

 

 

The instructions are easy to follow, with very good drawings with good parts identification and indication where to fit.

 The colour indication. Not my first time telling this but one of ICM CEO said, in one podcast (Models from Ukraine) that ICM wants to be an “all in company” so all the ICM production is a vertical one, they made the CAD, the steel molds, the decals and now they are making also paints.

It`s, in fact an all new approach in the modelling world but ICM is getting there because I already saw, finally, in one of my usual model shop (Art Scale Kits) ICM paints on sale.

 

So the colour being only ICM references starts to be a non-issue to the novice modeler (attention, this particular modeler is not for the novice one) that simply can get some ICM paints quite easily in a foreseeing future.

 

As usual, in all ICM kits now, there`s masking tape template.

 

 

Conclusion:

Again, ICM clearly wants to give to all modellers, a quite good direct products straight from the box, and they actually did it very well and leaving room for the aftermarket players and to modellers that want a little more detail.

Surface panels line detail is very pleasing and the intakes, engines and transmission provide a lot of detail straight from the box.

Just one low.... Please ICM gives us a the water tank and all the gear associated!!

You can make a impressive and quite detail replica straight from the box and that`s something and I totally understand that ICM wanted to get there, as after all it`s not a cheap kit and it couldn’t be cheap! Is enormous and FANTASTIC and Its CIVILIAN! So it’s a perfect to all even to Military Modeller..

 

VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND