Brief Background

The description below is taken from ICM’s product website.

Among the many factors that determine the course of battles, one is not immediately obvious but is crucial—food supply in combat conditions. A quality hot meal for a soldier is of great importance and sometimes influences the combat effectiveness of units more than modern weapons or equipment. Taking this into account, the Wehrmacht paid significant attention to soldier nutrition during wartime. In combat conditions or during marches, field kitchens on wheels of various types were used: large kitchens for 125 to 225 personnel and smaller kitchens for 60 to 125 soldiers.

These kitchens were either transported on trailers pulled by vehicles or horse-drawn wagons. They were also frequently set up in the beds of different trucks. These kitchens, humorously referred to by soldiers as the ‘Gulaschkanone,’ allowed for the preparation of various dishes. A large kettle, which had an insulating layer (usually made of glycerin), was used for the main dishes, and later versions of the kitchens included a separate kettle for frying. Meals were distributed either directly into soldiers’ mess kits or into large thermoses for delivery to units located some distance away from the kitchen. The main part of the daily ration was usually served at lunch, which could include, for example, a meat soup, a serving of potatoes with a generous portion of meat, and vegetables. It was also common practice to requisition food from the local population to improve the soldiers’ rations beyond the established norms.

History of the AHN Renault Truck

The Renault AHN was a medium-duty cargo truck developed in the late 1930s and put into production under German occupation after France fell in 1940. Powered by a 4.05-litre inline-six engine, it had a 3-ton payload and was used for transporting troops, supplies, and equipment.

Adopted by the Wehrmacht, the AHN proved reliable and was deployed on multiple fronts. Painted in Dunkelgelb, German Grey, or camouflage, it became one of the most widely used French-built trucks in German service during World War II.

Box and Contents

Measuring 12 inches x 9 inches x 2 1/2 inches, the box features a vibrant outdoor image of four figures, one of which is standing in the bed of the AHN truck, preparing food in a grassy, sunlit field. The set includes two World War II-era German Wehrmacht cooks, two assistant figures, and kitchen equipment, including knives, pots, buckets, canisters, and thermoses. Also included is a wheeled field kitchen with a French-built, 3.5-ton AHN cargo truck. All sprues are molded in grey and packaged in a single large cellophane bag. Upon opening, I found no issues with ICM’s packaging approach.

For this kit, ICM has combined sprues from several of their previous releases—specifically kits 35415, 35416, and 35418.

• Sprue A x 1 (35416) Lastkraftwagen 3.5 t AHN German Army Truck (2014)
• Sprue B x 1 (35416)
• Sprue C x 1 (35416)
• Sprue D x 1 (35416)
• Sprue E1 x 2 (35416)
• Sprue G1 x 1 (35415) WWII German Mobile Field Kitchen AHN ‘Gulaschkanone’ (2023)
• Sprue G2 x 2 (35415)
• Clear Sprue x 1 (35416)
• Vinyl Tires x 7
• Figure Sprue x 1 (35618) Feldküche WWII German Field Kitchen with Cooks (2024)
• 1 Twenty-four-page portrait-style instruction booklet covering 99 steps with color callouts for ICM paints
• 1 ICM Acrylic Water-Based Paints 4-page reference booklet.
• 1 Small decal sheet
• No photo etch included

The build is organized into four primary sections.

Steps 1–36 focus on assembling the chassis and engine.

Steps 37–68, which cover the cab and cargo bed.

Steps 69–99 are dedicated to constructing the field kitchen, along with attaching extra cans, crates, and other small components to the cab.

The figures are addressed on page 24, which also provides their painting guides.

Overall, the sequence follows a logical and clear progression, making the assembly process smooth and well-structured.

Construction

Steps 1-4

These steps focus on assembling the frame by adding a series of struts between the two side rails. ICM typically molds its frames this way, making assembly straightforward and helping ensure the frame stays properly aligned. Only minimal cleanup is needed.

Steps 5-11

Construction begins with the AHN 4.05-litre inline-six gasoline engine, starting with the engine block halves, then adding the cylinder head cover, intake manifold, starter, alternator fan blades, belt, and other small components. The engine was primed with A.MIG One Shot Grey Primer, then painted using ICM, A.MIG, and Vallejo colors, with weathering applied using Mr. Color Weathering Brown and Vallejo Engine Grime. Although the engine will ultimately be enclosed and hidden—unless the interior is modified to expose the engine compartment, it is satisfying to know it is there, as all modelers do. The engine detail is excellent, and with the addition of wiring, it could be elevated to its highest level of visual realism.

Steps 12-26

These steps focus on completing the chassis by installing the leaf springs, front steering assembly, muffler, exhaust pipes, undercarriage spare tire supports, and axles. Starting in step 20, the assembly of the front axle with the associated steering linkage. As designed, the wheels can only be positioned straight ahead. While it may be possible to modify the parts that allow the front wheel hubs to articulate, doing so would require scratch building and adjustments to several surrounding components. Keep in mind that some of the linkages are quite delicate, so use caution when removing them from the sprue and during sanding. The molding is excellent, enabling a smooth, hassle-free assembly and resulting in a structurally solid, visually impressive replica. Fine detailing throughout reflects the high molding standards typical of ICM.

Steps 27-38

These steps cover the assembly of the seven wheels and tires. Each tire has a central mold seam that will require sanding for a clean finish. Aside from this minor drawback, the tires feature finely molded tread detail that adds to their realistic appearance. Additionally, the central drive linkage between the transmission and rear axle is installed, along with the frame-mounted two-piece gas tank. With these steps complete, the frame was painted using A.Mig One Shot Grey Primer and A.Mig 010 RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb MW.

Steps 39-59

Cab construction begins with attaching the fender wells to part B4. Interior components are installed, including the air cleaner mounted on the interior firewall, the instrument panel, wiper control arm, gear shifter, foot pedals, steering column, and steering wheel. The two tub seats, each made up of four pieces, are also assembled. The windshield (clear part) is left for later installation. Exterior cab panels—left, right, and front—are added at this stage. ICM provides a decal for the instrument cluster, which I chose to apply after painting the interior. At this point in step 53, clear window glass and doorknobs are installed on the door panels. It is worth noting that, with some scratch-building and careful engineering, the doors could be made functional. The clear glass was intentionally left off until after the cab interior was painted. To make installing the clear glass easier, the roof was painted separately beforehand. In step 55, fill and sand the molding knockout depressions on the rear cab panel, part B5.

Step 60-68

These steps cover the construction of the cargo bed, which includes the rails, tarp bows, crossmembers, fenders with supports, and the license plate holder—all of which fit together with minimal effort. Although ICM offers the flexibility to install them or omit them. I chose the open bed configuration instead, as shown on the box art. For modelers opting to add a canvas tarp, these bows provide an ideal foundation to build upon.

Steps 69–85

These steps outline the assembly of the Feldküche (field kitchen), a standalone build that is also available separately from ICM as kit #35618.

The Feldküche, or field kitchen, was a mobile cooking unit used by the German military, especially during World Wars I and II, to provide hot meals to troops in the field. Nicknamed the Gulaschkanone (“goulash cannon”) due to its chimney’s resemblance to a cannon barrel when stowed, it played a critical role in sustaining morale and strength by ensuring soldiers received at least one hot meal daily. Typically mounted on two wheels and towed by horses or vehicles, the Feldküche could easily accompany front-line units. It featured a large cauldron, often holding up to 200 liters, capable of preparing soups, stews, or coffee for 125 to 225 men. Its double-bottomed cooking vessel, with a layer of glycerin between the inner and outer walls, helped prevent scorching and retained heat efficiently.

Steps 86–99

These steps involve attaching the cab components, such as the lights, Notek blackout lamp, mirror, and wipers, and assembling various accessories, including a coffee tankard, two jerry cans, two-handled buckets, two wooden crates, four flour/potato sacks, and four metal containers. Assembly was smooth overall, with only a minor seam that required light sanding.

Figures

The four figures are assembled using the painting guide on page 24 and parts from the figure sprue. They include a chef, one figure filling the kitchen tank with water, another splitting wood, and one peeling potatoes. The sprue also includes various accessories such as an axe, cooking pot, tree stump, short logs, split firewood, a table, and a string of sausages.

The four figures are assembled using the painting guide on page 24, all designed to complement the Feldküche (field kitchen). They include a chef, a soldier pouring water into the field kitchen, one chopping wood, and another peeling potatoes. The figure sprue also contains several detailed accessories such as an axe, cooking pot, tree stump, short logs, split firewood, a table, and a string of sausages.

Painting

There is an error on page 23 concerning the truck's painting instructions. The guide incorrectly designates color B (German Grey) when it should be A (Beige).

I selected Marking Option 2 (post-1943) for painting the vehicle and field kitchen, using Ammo Mig 010 RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb MWas the primary color. The engine was painted separately before installation and after the chassis had been finished. For detailing, I used a variety of paints and weathering products, including ICM German Grey 1038, ICM Aluminum 1023, Model Air Black 71.057, A.Mig Gun Metal Pigment 3009, Mr. Color Weathering Brown WC02, and Vallejo Engine Grime 73.815. The interior and part of the chimney's exterior were brushed with Model Color Smoke 70.939, then accented with Vallejo Dark Slate Grey pigment to depict smoke and soot buildup. To simulate a stew or goulash, I used Vallejo Water Texture, incorporating small plastic bits to represent potatoes. The water effect was tinted with dark brown paint to enhance realism.

The interior was painted after priming with Model Air Black 71.057 and Model Color Leather Brown 70.871. For the accessories, I used Model Color Flat Brown 70-984, Model Air Dark Green 71.012, AK Wood Base AK779, Ammo Mig 010 RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb MW, and ICM Aluminum 1023.

The figures were painted using Vallejo Game Air Flesh tones, mixed with glaze medium to improve flow, extend working time, and achieve smoother blending. A wet palette was utilized to ensure paint consistency and prevent it from drying. ICM’s 1/35th scale figures are characterized by superb molding quality, featuring crisp details, clean seams, and well-defined facial features and uniform textures—making them an excellent choice for both standalone figure painting and diorama integration.

Decals

ICM’s decals are top-notch, offering crisp print detail and a thin, flexible film that conforms effortlessly to surface textures. When applied with MicroSol, they settle in smoothly and adhere cleanly, resulting in a hassle-free finishing process with no visible silvering.

References Used

• https://www.pietvanhees.nl/ahn/index.htm
• https://www.renaultoloog.nl/trucks-english.htm
• https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2021/03/renault-ahn-35-ton-4x2-truck.h…

In Conclusion

ICM offers an impressive kit at an affordable price. The level of detail is outstanding, and the poses of the chef and his three assistants are exceptionally well-executed.

To showcase the impressive detail and functionality of this kit, I chose to present it within a diorama setting. Modelers familiar with ICM kits will immediately recognize the exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. The molding quality was top-notch, with minimal flash requiring cleanup. I highly recommend this kit to anyone looking to add a well-executed and visually engaging piece to their collection.

Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, ICM has remarkably continued producing plastic model kits, demonstrating resilience and commitment by maintaining operations and releasing new products from their Kyiv-based facility. Their perseverance highlights both the dedication of their team and the global support from the modeling community.

Thanks to IPMS/USA and ICM for allowing me to review this kit.