Box Art / Packaging

The ICM Wehrmacht self-propelled AA vehicles is delivered in the usual rigid box and all 3 kits are tightly packed. No loose parts were present and all kits were presented with no flash and insignificant sink marks, I did notice though that some of the parts were especially fragile, this caused me some build issues later on. The clear parts were well formed and fit nicely and no PE is present for this kit. Decals were supplied for each kit though understandably there were very few.

The Kits

Upon opening and examination there is some confusion as to exactly what is what within. This is a re-boxing of sorts with all 3 of these kits being individually available under separate SKU numbers. It is not especially difficult to identify which is which kit-wise, however the bagged kits do not match in all cases the SKU numbers called out on the instructions.

BLUF - Bottom Line Up Front

This review covers both the ICM Do-217K-1 kit as well as the ICM paints released that includes all the major colors required to paint the kit in any of three markings included.

Overall, the kit itself builds up to a very nice replica of a D0-217K-1. The build is straightforward, and I built it out of the box. On the other hand, painting with ICM paints is different for me. I had difficulty getting the right mix for airbrush use. I eventually did, and painted the interior of the weapon bay that way. And, by the way, as ICM instructions call out, a base coat is required. And indeed I hand painted most of the cockpit. For use in an airbrush, ICM states to use 40% to 60% water or thinner. Well, that’s a pretty big range. I could never get the paint properly thinned for airbrush use, and ultimately broke out Tester’s RLM 78 for the underside and Tamiya Acrylics for the upper half.

This is the second ICM B-26 that I have been fortunate enough to review. The previous review was the -G version. See my B-26G Marauder review for my comments on that build.

History

The B-26F Marauder’s most significant modification was its redesigned wing structure. By increasing the angle of attack by 3.5 degrees, the engines gained a slight upward tilt. This change shortened the takeoff run by about 90 meters (about 295 feet), reduced takeoff speed, and decreased landing distance—though it slightly lowered the maximum flight speed.