In yet another happy move, ICM has now released a set of very nice figures to support their growing line of 1/35^th helicopter kits. Set in the Vietnam War era, this set of four figures depicts a typical support crew performing general maintenance on a helicopter, with a commanding officer pointing to an area needing attention. Three are wearing the standard working cap for ground personnel including one bare-headed figure.

All four figures are in the casual ground *uniforms for maintenance work and are on the whole relatively easy to assemble. Some attention needs to be paid, however, to the loose hands that attach to wrists – obviously intended to provide some flexibility in positioning for your particular diorama.

All four figures are wearing essentially the same uniform of T-shirt, trousers, belts, and boots. To add a little contrast to the set, I elected to paint a couple of the figures with white T-shirts, which were still pretty common early in the Vietnam War era. Although the uniforms are the same, there is enough individuation of the faces to make them all unique. Placing them in a diorama setting with the model of your choice will certainly create a busy and realistic scenario. Also, I feel compelled to add that although these figures are wearing relatively simple outfits, the detail that ICM has provided – everything down to the stitching on the pants – is extraordinary and adds immensely to the appeal of all of these pieces.

If I have any regrets about this set, it’s that ICM chose not to include a toolbox or two to go along with the figures. Of course, these can be obtained from other sources, and would certainly add to the look of any scene you might depict.

Personally, I love this set, and they really do look good next to my ICM Cobra. Of course, they could also be working on ground vehicles as well, so there are a lot of interesting possibilities available with just a little imagination. Highly recommended!

My thanks to ICM for enlivening yet another diorama for me, and for continuing their wonderful line of aviation-related figure sets.My thanks to IPMS/USA for the chance to add these to my collection. Stay safe, everyone, and happy modeling!