ICM US Marine Guard. 1:16

[Shar2]

US Marine Guard

ICM 1:16

 

 

ICM are continuing to release kits, in their World Guards series. The fifth to be issued is that of a US Marine Sergeant if full dress uniform. The two sprues of grey styrene are very well moulded with no sign of flash or other imperfections, and while the build is relatively simple, the painting is certainly not. Being 1:16 scale it’s large enough for the detail to be seen and painted, yet small enough to have a nice collection in a display cabinet.

 

I have to say, first of all, is that the instructions are not very clear.  They consist of a colour drawing of the completed and painted model, with the parts numbered and arrowed. Seeing that the kit is fairly straightforward it probably won’t worry the seasoned figure builder, but it might put off the beginner. The two legs are glued together as the waist, then the two part torso is glued together and attached to the legs. The bottom of the tunic is made up from threes parts, rear and two front pieces. These are joined to the waist area, under the belt. The two separate epaulettes are then glued to the shoulders.

 

 

The head is also in two halves, front and rear. Since most of the join is behind the ears, there shouldn’t be too much problem cleaning it up. The hat is also in two parts, the lower section, which includes the brim and the upper section. The separate arms are posed in such a way as they should just sit nicely, one are behind the Marines back, the other, with separate fingers, holding the rifle. The main section of the rifle itself is a single piece part, with separate grip area where the Marines right hand holds it, and taut sling. The kit comes with a separate scabbard, which is glued to the kits belt on the left hand side, using the joining piece included.

 

 

The kit comes with a nicely moulded pedestal, the top of which has a selection of different finishes, plain, curved cobbles, straight cobbles or flag stones. Alternatively the figure can be presented on a plain flat base.

 

 

 

Painting is going to be a case of patience and a very small brush as mainly of the really fine details are moulded to the uniform. But with care the model should come out looking rather splendid.

 

Conclusion

This is not my normal fare when it comes to modelling, what figures I have built have been in 1:6 scale and more fantasy based. This is really nicely made though and although quite small, (you will need an optivisor to paint the finer details), and it will look really nice in the display cabinet. I would have liked to have seen more of the details moulded separately, but that’s just me.

Review sample courtesy of

 

[John_W]

Two stripes makes him a Corporal.

Are ranks and medals included as decals?

[Julien]

3 hours ago, John_W said:

Two stripes makes him a Corporal.

Are ranks and medals included as decals?

If I read the review correctly and looking at the sprue the medals etc will have to be painted on. If there were any decals they would be in the review.

[Banny]

Just bought the kit - my 1st figure! Can you recommend paints for his tunic and trousers please?

[MASH4077]

Try this for the information you need , as for specific paints I cannot help.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniforms_of_the_United_States_Marine_Corps

 

[Banny]

Thanks for that. I was dead unlucky that the colour guide included in the box was unfortunately blank on the reverse side (this side listed the Tamiya colours). I managed to get a photo copy from the Shop from which I bought the kit. Once again thanks.