ICM continues to bring us modern tooled kits of subject’s modelers really want. Produced from 1927 to 1932, the Ford Model A followed up on the success of the model T. Several body styles were mounted on a chassis powered by a four-cylinder 201 cubic inch engine making 40hp. Coupled with a three-speed manual transmission, the Model A was capable of speeds up to 65mph. Almost five million Models were sold in the US when production ended in 1932.

In what I hope will be the first of many versions, ICM has given us a two row Phaeton convertible. The parts are molded in ICMs standard soft grey plastic, and the quality of the engineering is superb. Everything is scale thin and will requires very careful removal from the runners. If you manage to get those parts off with out damaging them, you’ll be rewarded with a very accurate assembly that includes a complete built-up frame, fully linked mechanical brakes and a detailed engine with separate spark plugs. This rides on an equally detailed suspension with steering linkage. The only thing missing is a folded top if you wanted to show it down. The body builds up from two fender sides with multiple layers making the floor. This was the only place I corrected the kits parts. The front fenders had an angle molded into them where they joined the frame rail. It was easily fixed with a sanding block. The wheels are assembled from two halves and even though the spokes are a bit heavy for the scale, they look fine once painted with tires mounted on them.

ICM was kind enough to provide their paint set for US Cars of the 1930s-1940s along with this kit. Please NOTE - It is priced separately at $12.99 The set includes six 12ml bottles of acrylic paint in the following colors: dark blue, deep green, deep red, warm grey, lime green and interior yellow. These paints are water based and the box instructions say its brush ready or airbrush ready if thinned 40 to 60%.

I found it brushed well but requires at least two coats. Turning to airbrush use, I tried both Tamiya X-20 and Mr Hobby Acrysion Solvent with good results. Spraying this paint requires building up layers to get good color density. The instructions recommend a primer base if airbrushing. Also note that retarder is recommended in hotter climates. I live in the desert and without retarder or flow agent, this paint goes off midair leaving a pebbly finish. This paint dries dead flat with an almost chalky texture, but once cured is durable enough to mask over without pulling up. Since most car models have a sheen, you’re going to have to clear coat. My tests showed it took three or more layers of clear because this paint absorbs it. I used five of the six colors in the set on this build, dark blue on the body, deep red on wheels and a three-color mix for the engine. All the black and grey colors are Tamiya lacquers.

I was really impressed by this kit. Everything fit together to the point that if it didn’t, I was at fault not the kit. Caution is required to remove the more delicate parts from the runners, especially the rods for the mechanical brakes. I ended up replacing some of those with wire. For those who like Model A based rod hots, this kit provides an accurate frame and body to build on. The other cool aspect of this subject is there are a lot of them still on the road in excellent condition. Several YouTube channels will show you every inch of these cars. My favorite was a series by Paul Shin.

The paint set is a nice addition that provides colors for two of the paint schemes called out in the kit. Whether you build the base kit or use it as a foundation for a hot rod, you can’t go wrong.

Many thanks to ICM for updating a classic subject and to IPMS for letting me build and share it with you.