Introduction
The following introduction is as supplied by ICM:
The V3000S belonged to a widespread part of the Wehrmacht truck fleet with a payload of 3 tons. The 95-hp V8 gasoline-powered truck was assembled at Ford’s Cologne plant in 1941 and production continued until May 1945. It was used by all branches of Germany military forces – the Army, Air Force and Navy. Cooling of the V8 engines was quite problematic, so later versions were fitted with additional hood openings and a larger radiator. Subsequently, V3000S trucks were produced with various simplifications. Initially, in order to save sheet metal, the shape of the wheel wings was changed, and from about 1943 onwards, the so-called single cabin – ‘Einheitsfahrerhaus’ – began to be installed on them. It was made using pressed wood and made it possible to simplify and reduce production costs. Cars with such cabs were widely used in the Wehrmacht until the end of the war.
Review
This offering from ICM arrives in a flip top cardboard tray with an additional card lid. Inside the grey sprues are packaged in a re-sealable plastic bag with the clear sprue in another re-sealable bag and the decal sheet inside the instruction booklet. An examination of the sprues reveals no obvious issues despite the moulds having some years on them now. Access to the parts for removal is good and there are no obvious moulding issues beyond ejector pins marks.
This is one of ICM multi part chassis offerings, and with no parts to square everything up care will need to be taken for ensure that the alignment of the chassis rails is correct. As always I would suggest that the easiest method is to place the front or rear of the chassis rails against a flat surface and then use the gridded squares on a cutting mat to get your alignment right. In typical ICM fashion you are supplied with a good replication of the oily parts ie engine, gearbox and axles. A pleasant surprise is that the front wheels can be shown at any angle the modeller desires. Wheel detail is good, and many will be pleased to hear that the tyres are injection moulded plastic. So when it comes to showing a vehicle that has been destroyed ICM is a great place to start for your kit.
Moving to the cab and you have an acceptable level of detail throughout, with all the details you would expect and decals supplied for the instrument cluster. The hood of the model is has not been designed to show off the oily areas of the model, which I always think is a shame as ICM does this very well. The doors of the truck are also supplied as separate parts, but are not designed to be shown open and surgery is required on the running boards to shorten their length - as indicated in the instructions. The rear bed of the truck is a simple design with the relevant wooden detail replicated. But check for ejector pin marks that need to be addressed as you will find them unless lucky. The frames for supporting a canvas roof are supplied in a stored position.
ICM has provided 2 finishing options for this release, which are:
V3000S Einheitsfahrerhays 1944
V3000S Einheitsfahrerhays 1944 (Camouflage version)
Conclusion
This release from ICM is a nice kit from the box, particularly where the mechanical aspects are concerned. I have no qualms about the bodywork, however, I would have expected ICM to have provided at least 1 specific finishing option. This release is ideal for a damaged or destroyed representation of the vehicle without much effort beyond the cut and shut. I am sure that photo etched sets are or will be available for those wanted to lift this release even further.