ICM Model T RNAS Armoured Car (35669) 1:35 ICM via Hannants

[Julien]

Model T RNAS Armoured Car (35669)

1:35 ICM via Hannants

 

 

WWI was the first war to feature mechanisation with truck and tanks new to the battlefield. It would not be long before the Model T was pressed into use, and one into an armoured car. In 1915, Commander Oliver Stillingfleet Locker Lampson took an expeditionary force to fight on the Eastern Front through Russia and Persia. Joining him were at least 10 specially modified 'Model X Ford' Armoured Cars. The RNAS developed armoured cars for recon and to rescue downed pilots. The Model T version would follow the more famous Rolls Royce, and Lanchester cars, it was developed by Cheif Petty Officer L Gutteridge. 

 

The Kit

The kit arrives in the usual ICM top-opening box with the captive flap on the lower tray and artwork depicting the contents on the lid.  Whoever puts those lids together certainly makes them tight and difficult to get off even after cutting the tape between the two parts. There is one common sprue from their other Model T kits but a complete new body for the armoured car, and a sprue for the Vickers machine gun.  Construction starts with the front axle, this has the radiator attached and then it can be glued on to the main floor pan. The engine is then made up and added in behind the radiator. The exhaust is then added along with the rear axle and its prop shaft. Side plates which protect the engine are then put onto the chassis. The spoke wheels and tyres can then b put on and the armoured discs placed over the top, In the cab the controls are added along with the floor, steering wheel and steering column. 

 

 

Next up the armoured bady of the car can be constructed. There is a fully armoured cabin for the driver and the rear is half armoured to enable the gun to move about,  A spare tyre is added to the cabin roof, and lights to the sides. 

 

 

Markings

The small decal sheet gives the roundels and numbers for one RNAS Car,

 

 

Vickers Machine Gun (35712)

This set which ICM do individually is supplied for the armament for the ca. There are tow guns with either the ribbed or smooth water jacket and two different height stands.

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

This is a unusual model from ICM and a good use of its already tooled Model T sprues o bring us this model. Highly recommended. 

 

Available in the UK from importers H G Hannants Ltd.

 

Review sample courtesy of