ICM IDF K-9 Unit “OKETZ”. 1:16

[Shar2]

IDF K-9 Unit “OKETZ”

ICM 1:16

 

ICM continue their releases of 1:16 figures that don’t fit in with their World of Guards series, is this figure of an Israeli Defence Force soldier and his K9 companion. The kit comes on two sprues of grey styrene and one of black, with a separate black pedestal. The parts are very well moulded with no sign of flash or other imperfections, and while the build is relatively simple, the painting is what makes these figures stand out, both with the figure and the dog. 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.

 

 

As with the other kits in this series the instructions are not very clear.  They consist of a colour drawing of the completed and painted model, with the parts numbered and arrowed. At least ICM have included some detail drawings on the painting guide this time, rather than having to squint and guess. 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 at the waist, followed by the separately moulded boot soles, and then the two part torso is glued together and attached to the legs. The separate arms, one of which includes the end of the lead in the hand, three piece head, and four piece helmet are the glued into place. Then there is the myriad of equipment pouches attached to the chest, back and sides of the torso, while the separate Glock 17 pistol is fitted to the three piece holster around his right leg. IWI Tavor assault rifle is fitted with the front hand grips, then glued to the right hand and the separate fingers glued into place around the grip. The dog consists of a two part body, two piece head, separate ears, separate tail, and, after searching the instruction sheet carefully I realised the part I couldn’t identify by its shape is in fact the dogs testicles, (now there’s something I’ve never had to write in a review before). Also included is a short length of lead between the dog and handler.

 

 

The kit comes with a nicely moulded pedestal, large enough for both figures with just single option of top. Alternatively the figure can be presented on a plain flat base.

 

 

Conclusion

If you’re a figure modeller then this will be a great way to pass the time. The painting, although not as difficult as some of ICM’s figures will still require a great deal patience to get right, particularly the shading, and the dog even more so. 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.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of