ICM German Command Vehicle Crew 1939-42 (35644) 1:35

[Mike]

German Command Vehicle Crew 1939-42 (35644)

1:35 ICM via Hannants

 

 

During WWII German Blitzkreig operations there would be command vehicles dotted about the battlefield to maximise situational awareness and give the shortest distance between troops/vehicles and their commanders, which was essential for a fast-moving offensive.  Although they weren't intended to be in the vanguard, they were close enough to stay in touch and could occasionally become involved in the actual combat inadvertently, so some form of armour was necessary to keep the high value targets relatively safe from stray bullets.  Often the Sd.Kfz 251 was used as they were proof against small arms fire and shrapnel, excellent over rough ground while giving sufficient space for a commander and radio operators in the rear.  Other vehicles were used, but there's a 251 on the boxtop so we're safe to assume that these figures are patterned to work with them, and you can see our review of the ICM kit here.

 

 

 

The set arrives in a figure sized top opening box with additional captive lid inside, and has a single sprue of mid-grey styrene and a short instruction sheet inside.  On the sprue are four figures, including a driver figure and two radio operators, one adjusting his set whilst listening in on headphones, the other with his headphones round his neck writing on a pad that is resting on his left knee.  The officer of course is wearing his rank appropriate cap, binoculars and riding breeches, and is resting his right arm on the lip of the vehicle's walls and his corresponding foot propped up on a box within the vehicle.  His other hand is looped through his belt/over his holster and he is leaning forward as if he is interested in what's going on. The accessories are fairly sparse due to the duties of the crew, and consist of bands for headphones, binoculars, pistol holster and notepad, while the figures themselves are broken down into separate legs, arms, torso, head with moulded in caps, or separate cap for the officer.  The driver figure has his arms split at the elbow to obtain a more realistic position while maintaining detail on the hands etc., and to give a little adjustment when fitting his hands onto the steering wheel.

 

 

 

Conclusion

Sculpting and moulding are first rate as you'd expect from ICM with impressive detail and realistic drape of clothing throughout, plus sensible breakdown of parts around belts, clothing seams etc., and once the seams are scraped smooth and a little sympathetic painting is carried out (sounds easy, doesn't it?), you should have a great-looking crew for your 251.

 

Highly recommended.

 

Available in the UK from importers H G Hannants Ltd.

 

Review sample courtesy of