Coming off a tough build I wanted to have something simple to get me back in the groove. I have had this one hanging around for a while. Quite honestly, I am not sure why I picked it up as I have never built a truck or car before. This is also my first ICM kit. There are some “reviews” out there, but they are just pictures of the sprues and the instructions. I have had a diorama idea in my head for a while as I have Takom’s Strabokran and am thinking a support truck would fit well in it. So off I went.
This was a great build and a lot of fun. There are a couple of “are you sure” moments, but some dry fitting figured them out. I used zero filler and the parts fit was really good to excellent. I would however recommend waiting until the very end for the very small fiddly bits such as the mirrors, steps, door and window handles, etc.
Painting was grey primer from Vallejo. I then used Mission Models white to accent the primer and then finished up with the main color being Mission Models RLM 66 grey. Some Vallejo Model Color was in there also for some of the brush painting on the small items.
The decals were very good and went on without a problem. The plate number on the front and back however were exactly the same size as the pieces that they were attached to, so there is an amount of carrier film that “hangs over” the edges. After drying, I took a sharp number 11 blade scalpel and trimmed it off the best I could.
The truck bed was weathered with MiG light and dark Earth. The truck body was weathered with the light dust. I have some more weathering to do once I mate it to the diorama so as to match things up.
I have not attached the driver’s door as I am trying to match up a figure for it. I also have not attached the ribs for the tarp that would cover the bed as my diorama will have things in the bed and it will be easier to add them afterwards. In case there is any confusion, there is no cover/tarp/canvas included.
I recommend this kit if you want a break from the tedium that can come from sanding and mottling of other aircraft and armor kits.
Pros:
Easy to assemble.
Very good to excellent fit of parts.
Good instructions with color pictures for the paint schemes.
Very few decals that apply very well.
Excellent clear parts.
Cons:
Tires are one-piece vinyl with no sidewall detail. The tread also has seam lines, but for a diorama that won’t be noticed.
Rear tailgate cannot be posed down without some modifications.
A couple of instruction sequences that need some extra thought.
The doors seemed to be a little loose fitting to the main cab frame.
Here are some photos. Feel free to let me know if there is anything more you would like to know.
