Search the Community

Model T Utility ICM 1:35 One of the most numerous and famous cars in the world’s history was the Model T, produced by the Ford Motor Company. These cars were widely used on all fronts during WWI. This version is of a utility vehicle in the Australian service. The Model The model arrives in the usual sturdy box with a separate top sleeve with a nice artist’s representation of the vehicle on the front. Inside, within a large poly bag, are two sprues of light grey styrene and, in a separate poly bag, one clear sprue. As with the previously released Model T kits from ICM, the parts are really well moulded, with no sign of flash or other imperfections. There are a number of moulding pips, some of which are on quite fragile looking parts, so care should be taken when removing. The sprue gates attaching items like the exhaust are also quite heavy and I can see these parts breaking if you’re not careful. The build starts with the nicely detailed engine with the block and gearbox halves glued together followed by the addition of the rocker covers, fan belt, dynamo, exhaust manifold, cooling fan, cooling pipes, and other sundry items. The radiator is moulded together with the front axle and just needs the radiator grille glued to it to complete the assembly. The radiator/axle is then glued to the front of the floor pan/chassis along with four eyebolts/engine mounting bolts. The two part fuel tank is then assembled and fitted to the chassis, along with the engine assembly. The rear axle, drive shaft and differential are built up from only three parts and fitted to the underside of the chassis along with the two piece exhaust/silencer unit. The front and rear axle support frames are then added, as is the steering rack. The four wheels, moulded as single parts are glued to the axles and the instructions move to the body work. The truck bed is made up of the bed, sides, front and rear sections, in addition to the outer curved panels, bench seat and rolled up canvas cover. The two part battery is fitted to the driving compartment bulkhead, along with the coaming, doors and three foot pedals. The gear stick and steering column are then fitted to the chassis as is the truck bed assembly. This assembly is then fitted into position between the truck bed and engine compartment. Each of the two part bonnet sections are fitted with grab handles, then glued together, before being fitted to the engine bay. If you’re very careful, the modeller could cut the lower section of one side of the bonnet and fold it up along the hinge line to show off the engine. The semi open cab, consists of the rear three piece bulkhead, roof and two side sections, which only cover the area of the seat, but not the doors. The windscreen is made up from upper and lower sections, each of two parts and can be posed folded or extended. Each of the two styles of headlights and single tail light are assembled and fitted, along with the spare tyre, a three piece storage box and three piece water container. Decals The small decal sheet contains identification numbers and markings for two vehicles. The two vehicles are both painted in the overall sand scheme with khaki for the canvas “cab”. Model T Utility 1917, Palestine 1918 Model T Utility 1917, Dead Sea Region, Palestine 1918 Conclusion This is another great addition to the Model T series that ICM have been releasing. As with the LCP version, it isn’t a difficult kit to make, but will look great once painted and weathered either with a LCP in a diorama or on its own. Review sample courtesy of