And now for something different – for this reviewer at least. I’ve always been intrigued with the bright brasswork of early automobiles and the combination of dark green paint and brass trim caught my eye when perusing the list of review items.

The kit arrives in a very sturdy cardboard box with separate cover in full color. Each tree is carefully wrapped, clear parts and rubber tires are packaged separately, and a very nice gloss printed instruction manual is included.

Construction is relatively straightforward, I deviated from some of the sequences to facilitate painting and avoid knocking off some of the smaller bits. The 10hp Renault engine is nicely detailed but I ran into problems attaching the exhaust pipe. Part of this is due to somewhat obscure illustration and compounding this was the fact that the pipe itself was broken during assembly. Let’s chalk that one up to builder error.

It was some time after 2:00 PM on June 10^th, 1979 at the Circuit de la Sarthe, France. The 47^th 24 Hours of Le Mans had concluded with Car 41, the Porsche 935 K3 from Kremer Racing standing at the top of the podium, having won the rain-soaked race. The car was driven by Klaus Ludwig, Don Whittington, and Bill Whittington.

The kit box and instructions indicate manufacturers as Platz Co. Ltd. and NuNu Hobby Model Kit by Si Nok Development Company Ltd., both of Japan. The kit is molded in white and black with the usual supporting parts in clear and two mirrors in chrome. We also have a fret of photoetch, a sheet of mesh, and two sheets of decals. The paint color chart is on the outside of the box. This allows the buyer to see what he needs before purchase. The box photos of the model were somewhat helpful during assembly.

ICM has been going full bore on World War One ground war models for some time now, and during this process have come out with a variety of Model T variants from the period. As was the case elsewhere at the time, the Model T was pretty much ubiquitous, and served on all fronts in a remarkable range of roles. This latest offering provides no less than three variants all in one package.

Listed as “Anzac Patrol” the packaging offers a staff car, a utility truck and a scout car, all on a common chassis, the late-model 1917 variant of the Model T. Both the scout car and utility truck share the exact same sprues, with only the sprue with body parts distinguishing the scout car. Because of so much commonality among the vehicles, they can be built in an “assembly line” fashion that wouldn’t have seemed out of place to Mr. Ford himself.

Background

One of the most numerous and famous cars in world history was the Model T produced by the Ford Motor Company. It became the first mass-production car and was affordable for middle class. The first examples of the Model T were built starting on October 1, 1908. It had a four-cylinder engine of 20 hp. The mass production was launched at the Highland Park Ford Plant, Michigan beginning in 1910. There were 16.5 million cars produced between 1908 and 1927. Model T cars were produced in different types, like the 1912 Light Delivery Cars.

The Light Delivery Car version is another of ICM‘s excellent series of 1/24 scale Model T kits. Other 1/24 scale Model T kits released by ICM include:

About the Author

Author Mark Walker bought his first VW Beetle at age 16 and has since owned more than 100 Volkswagens. Walker was the owner and operator of several VW restoration companies and has carried out sympathetic restoration and high-quality suspension modifications for magazine feature cars. Mark has written for VolksWorld and Camper & Bus magazines since 2012.

Patina Volkswagens

This book focuses on 1974 or older Volkswagens with original paint, rust, and patina that have recently become more popular than cars restored to show condition. These rare unspoiled survivors tell a story of an interesting and varied past and have inspired a generation of car fanatics that might not be able to afford complete restorations.

The book is packed with excellent color photographs, and text provides insight to the car builders, dealers, celebrities, and hobbyists that have styled these unique cars.