ICM continues to announce new models despite the ongoing Russian initiated war in Ukraine. While most subjects released by ICM are welcome, the current conflict subjects are even more relevant and timely. This Ukrainian tank crew is no exception.
Reference the ICM website -
TankCraft 43, Panzer IV Medium Tank, German Army and Waffen-SS Last battles in the West, 1945, breaks the Panzer IV’s (Panzerkampfwagen, abbreviated as Pzkpfw, also known as the Sonderkraftfahrzeug 161) long service life into the final struggles in 1945 in the Western Front. Older and newer Pzkpfw fought side by side as the Allied ring closed in on Germany.
This 64-page book is outlined in the familiar TankCraft format and is loaded with incredible black and white photographs, color illustrations, supporting text and detailed captions, modelling references and a bibliography in the following chapters:
TankCraft 42, JagdTiger Heavy Tank Destroyer, German Army Western Front, 1945, details the short life of the heaviest armored vehicle to fight in World War II. Weighing in at about 73 tons, it was a massive vehicle built around the “heavy assault gun” designed for the Panzerkampfwagen (Pz.Kpfw.) VIII Maus – the 12.8 cm Kw.K. L/55 (Kw.K. – Kampfwagen Kanone – Fighting vehicle gun).This book outlines the development of the Jagdtiger from concept in 1942 to first combat in January 1945 through the end of the war. Despite shortages, aerial attacks and the war going against Germany, over 80 of these vehicles were produced (actual number is unknown and is debatable as details were scarce at the end of the war).
This 64-page book is outlined in the familiar TankCraft format and is loaded with incredible black and white photographs, color illustrations, supporting text and detailed captions, modeling references and a bibliography in the following chapters:
Hauler continues expanding its impressive 1/48 PE catalog. This set is a new tool for Tamiya’s 2021 Russian Medium Tank T-34-85 kit and comes on three frets (A: 2”x2.75” (fenders), B: 2” x 2.75” (boxes, buckles, tie downs, etc), and C: 1.125” x 2” (grills).
Hauler is well known for its detail and this set does not disappoint. This set is designed to give the 1/48 Tamiya T-34/85 scale thickness details and take the plastic kit to the next level. None of the parts are solely for the T-34/85, it could also work for the earlier T-34/76 and any other T-34 variants.
The Challenger I was a British main battle tank (MBT) used by the British Army from 1983 to 2001 and was succeeded by the Challenger II. It saw action during the Gulf War and in the former Yugoslavia.
Author Richard King is a former British Army tanker and is well versed in the subject. He outlines the rather sketchy and draw-out development process for the tank, its tortured introduction into service and its eventual excellent service and combat record. The vicissitudes of British armed forces procurement are painstakingly detailed, and the average soldier’s distain for bureaucracy, officialdom and rank are evident in his humourous tales. Indeed, the British sense of humour in adversity is oft-displayed and is a memorable part of the story. Keep an eye open for characters such as Lay-by Lil, Rupert, and Wolfgang the Bratty Man.
BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) – this is a great kit at a great value! This is not a Tamiya tank model of our past – this is a new approach for a company often referred to as “shake and bake” for its ease of construction. Tamiya models are known for their effortless assembly but are soft on details. This kit is a fantastic introduction to what is hopefully a whole new line of tank models. The detail is superb, the assembly is straightforward, and I asked myself a few times if I was building another model company’s tank. The model comes with PE parts, clear parts, masks, and two of their superb new figures for the Commander and Loader (complete with decals for their ranks, name badges, and beret insignia). This kit also came with the Leopard 2A7V Metal Barrel (Item No. 12694, available separately for $21.
Atlantis Models has, for a while now, been re-releasing various manufacturers older kits. As the new puryeor of some of the older Aurora, Revell, Monogram and Lindberg molds these kits really are tugging at the ole nostalgia thread for many of us.
One of these offerings is a collection of warships from the mid to late 1940's to the 1950's: U.S. Combat Task Force Fleet. This kit began life as a Renwall kit in the late 1950's. It has been passed around a bit (Pyro to Life Like to Lindberg) and now finds itself among the multitude of offerings from Atlantis Models.
The kit consists of twelve warships. There is an aircraft carrier, a fast battleship, severalcruisers and destroyers as well as a few auxillary ships. One more modern-era ship is represented by the SSB(N)
Patrick Henry, a fleet ballistic missile submarine. Or, 'Boomer' to fans of Tom Clancys writings.
The complete list is: U.S.S. Washington - battleship
Released in the last quarter of 2023, ICM has added new decals to their 1/72 scale fuel bowser that is currently being used by the armed forces of Ukraine. The kit builds up easily for the most part but is recommended for modelers with some experience adding small parts. The provided decals make easy work of adding a modern digital camouflage pattern to your vehicle, which certainly made the build more enjoyable for this review.
The vehicle itself is tied to the Ural-4320 trucks produced in the late 1970’s and have been used in roles from transporting troops and cargo to towing as well as carrying fuel. More recent uses include mobile communication stations, mobile radar, and rocket launchers, to name a few. The 6x6 design allows the vehicles to operate cross-country if needed, continuing to make them useful in the 2020’s.
People who know me know my modeling quirk for the strange and unusual. This new kit by ICM certainly fits the bill – literally a chapel on wheels! Mounted on a short Studebaker chassis, this vehicle was designed to travel from location to location, dispensing spiritual solace to soldiers in need. Of course, this vehicle was clearly Church of England, so I’m not sure what they provided for their Jewish or Muslim troops, although they may have had similar vehicles.
The boxy rear cabin was large enough to provide ample space for altar and organ as well as a nice fold-down stage from which to preach. In inclement weather it appears there would have been enough space in the closed cabin for a small gathering if required. Because of its nature, though, I doubt profoundly that this machine would have been seen anywhere near the front lines.
ICM continues expanding its acrylic paint line, this time providing extremely useful colors for World War 2 British vehicles. This set includes:
Basically, you’re provided with three different greenish shades that British vehicles were painted in as well as Middlestone, which was used on many desert machines. A satin varnish permits you to create the exact tone many British vehicles were painted in more realistically. Lastly, Off-White is provided either as winter camouflage or specifically targeting their new mobile chapel model.
