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

Hot, delicious food on the front line plays a far more crucial role for soldiers than civilians in peacetime. Regular meals during wartime not only maintain combat readiness but also have great moral significance. World War II's standard US field kitchen could serve 150–180 people. These kitchens were part of a company’s structure but often combined into larger battalion kitchens. They were typically located away from direct combat lines, deeper in the rear, which eased the supply of provisions. Food preparation relied on M-1937 field stoves, which ran on liquid fuel. These versatile stoves allowed for frying, baking, or stewing various dishes—even pies. Cooks strived to provide soldiers with hot meals at least twice daily. While most food was hearty and calorie-rich, American soldiers occasionally enjoyed treats like roast turkey when possible.

Box and Contents

Measuring 10.25 inches x 7.5 inches x 1- 3/8 inches, the box features a vibrant outdoor image of four cooks preparing food in a grassy, sunlit field. The set includes four World War II-era US Army cooks, three M-1937 field army stoves that can be assembled with open or closed doors, tables, and kitchen equipment, including knives, pots, a baking/frying pan, canisters, and thermoses.

Enclosed in the box are 4 grey sprues consisting of:

• Sprue A x 3 (261 parts - Stoves and utensils)
• Sprue B x 1 (35 parts - Figures)
• 1 8-page portrait-style instruction booklet covering 38 steps with color callouts for ICM paints.
• 1 ICM Acrylic Water-Based Paints 4-page reference booklet.
• No photo etch or decals are included.

The Build

Steps 1-9

These steps involve assembling the fire unit, which consists of 19 parts—including the air tank, fuel tank, generator, burner, valves, and connecting tubes—all mounted within a frame, with most components being small and delicate. Notably, the fire unit's detail closely matches that of the TM-10-701 M1937 reference images, except for the gas cap, which was neither molded on nor included. However, this can be easily scratch-built and added. Each unit includes five small knobs that need to be attached to the front panel. Additionally, it would have been preferable if ICM had molded the dials directly onto the panel face, rather than providing them as separate miniature pieces. A mentor once shared a helpful technique for handling small parts: toothpicks and rubber cement. Dip the tip of a toothpick into the cement, let it dry, and repeat the process 2–3 times. This method works effectively. Three fire units need to be assembled.

The fire unit can be arranged in various positions within the cabinet based on the cooking operation—boiling, roasting, baking, or grilling—or placed on the ground. This configuration should be considered when installing the fire unit.

Steps 10-21

These steps involve assembling the three cooking cabinets. The front doors can be positioned either open or closed. Pay close attention to the orientation of the U.S. embedded insignia on one of the cabinet panels. Additionally, I found the front handles to be finicky, requiring the use of bent brass wire in one instance. Depending on the chosen configuration, parts A59 (front door plates) may need to be left off or re-positioned accordingly. In steps 18 and 19, the top lids are assembled and glued together along with the hinges. They can be positioned either flat or hinged together when using the griddle. Although the fire units are detailed models on their own, they remain mostly hidden in most positions within the cabinet.

Steps 22-34

In these thirteen steps the cooking pots, utensils, and M41 Mermite canisters are constructed. Included are three large stock pots, three ladles consisting of two parts, three small spoons, and six large and small knives with wooden handles. The molding detail is excellent, including the rivets on the wooden handles.

Steps 35-38

In steps 35-38, the wooden serving cabinets are assembled. As expected from ICM, the molding detail is exceptional. A chopping block with a potato or onion (part B21) is included on the figure sprue (B) to be placed atop one of the cabinets—a great addition. Additionally, ICM provides another part (B21), a griddle plate featuring what appears to be burgers.

Painting

On page 7, ICM provides painting instructions for the stoves, cabinets, pots, and cooking utensils. The painting was conducted concurrently with each assembly process. ICM describes a choice of using Oily Steel or US Dark Green for the cooking cabinets. After reviewing various reference images, I decided to paint the fire unit cabinets with an oily steel finish.

The surfaces were primed with Ammo Mig One Shot Gray Primer. After applying the steel color and allowing it to dry, I used Mr. Color WC02 brown weathering to achieve an oily steel effect.

The knobs on the fire unit were painted with A.Mig Matt Black 046.

The serving/work cabinets were primed and then painted with A.Mig Olive Drab Dark Base 926, followed by a dry brushing of A.Mig Dio Drybrush Light Olive Green 0608. A.Mig Shaders Light Olive Drab 0864 was also applied.

The jerry cans were weathered with A.Mig Dio Drybrush Light Olive Green 0608 and given a pin wash with A.Mig Shader Earth 0852.

The wood chopping board was first primed, then coated with AK 789 Burnt Umber, followed by a thin wash of AK 782 Varnished Wood.

The ladles were primed and painted using ICM Aluminum 1023 and Vallejo Model Color Chocolate Brown 70.872.

For the figures, I used ICM Aluminum 1023, Vallejo Model Air Gray White 71.119, Model Color Light Rust Wash 505, Model Color Beige Red 70.804, Model Color Tan Earth 70.874, and Model Color US Dark Green 70.893.

References Used

• https://archive.org/details/1942TM10-405/mode/2up
• TM10-701 Range, Field M-1937

In Conclusion

To highlight the impressive detail and functionality, I chose to showcase this kit in a diorama. Those familiar with assembling ICM model kits will recognize the remarkable level of detail. The molding was excellent, with no flash issues. The fire units were intricately detailed, though much of the detail is hidden once placed in the cabinets. I highly recommend this kit.

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