ICM Viking (IX Century) - 1:16

[Paul A H]

Viking (IX Century)

1:72 ICM

 

 

The latest figure in ICM's popular series of 1:16 figures is this ninth century Viking. The ninth century was, of course, the period in time when the Vikings rampaged through ancient Britain, subjugating most of the seven ancient kingdoms before having their progress halted by King Alfred, the great king of Wessex (now he would make a great figure). The kit is spread across two sprues of grey styrene. One holds the figure itself, while the other holds the armour, shield and weapons. There is a separate black pedestal. The parts are very well moulded with no sign of flash or other imperfections and the sculpted face of the figure is simply outstanding. The overall impression is of a well-executed kit which looks like it should be thoroughly enjoyable to build. 

 

 

 

As Julien has pointed out, the instructions are somewhat vague, comprising as they do a colour diagram of the completed figure with the part numbers identified. That said, as its a figure you'd have to be trying really hard to glue the legs on back-to-front. The figures comes with both sheathed and unsheathed swords, a knife, axe, shield and three arrows which can be fixed to the shield in order to enhance the sense of drama. The weapons appear to be accurate for the period.

 

 

The painting diagram is nice and clear and colour references are provided for Revell and Tamiya paint. This is one model where you can use whatever you have to hand, however, for the colour references are only a guide and it's pretty obvious what colour the steel and leather components of the kit should be.

 

 

Conclusion

 

This is a lovely figure and it should prove to be immensely enjoyable to build. It will require a different painting technique to most other modern kits, so if you're better with the sable than an airbrush, you should enjoy this. I hope ICM follow up with some more kits in this range and perhaps some up with some modern replacements for the old IMEX medieval knights series. Highly recommended.

 

Review sample courtesy of

 

[John_W]

Very tempting. Lovely straight teeth he has though.

[Paul A H]

1 hour ago, John_W said:

Very tempting. Lovely straight teeth he has though.

Classic Nordic good looks. I bet he's a dab hand at putting flat pack furniture together too