Introduction
The following introduction is taken from the ICM website:
The V3000S with a 95 hp V8 gasoline engine was launched at the Ford plant in Cologne in 1941. Production continued until the end of World War II, with a total production run of more than 25,000 vehicles. This truck was used by the German army, air force and navy. The vehicle had only rear-wheel drive, so it had insufficient off-road capability. To solve this problem, about 14,000 of these trucks were produced in the Maultier semi-tracked version, designated V3000S/SSM. Along with the tracks, the Maultier was also equipped with brake levers, which allowed the truck to turn on the spot like a tank. Starting in 1943, simplified cabs (‘Einheitsfahrerhaus’) were installed on Wehrmacht trucks to simplify and reduce the cost of production. In turn, the V3000S/SSM Maultier semi-tracked trucks were equipped with such cabs.
Review
This release from ICM arrives in a flip top cardboard tray, with a separate card lid. Inside the sprues are packaged in a single plastic bag, with the decals inside the instruction booklet. This item from ICM dates back to an original release in 2012, but do not let that bother you as a look at the mouldings could easily be mistaken for a new moulding.
The chassis for this release is a multi part assembly, and ICM has even included separate U bolts with retaining brackets and while this is a nice touch it is an easily damaged aspect of the kit. None of the cross members for the chassis frame are substantial enough to insure that it is assembled accurately - so plan ahead on how you intend to ensure you get the correct angles, which results is a square chassis. Typically for ICM, you have been provided with an engine and gearbox which only requires the addition of some wires to result in a very pleasing finish.
The axles look to be well replicated for the most part, and I particularly appreciate that the front wheels have been designed to allow to be shown turned. The tracked portion will require care during assembly, not least due to the tracks being provided as link and length. These are very finely moulded, mush to my satisfaction. The rear tracked portion of the vehicle is very similar in design to the British Brengun carrier, and is completely assembled separate from the main model - so be careful to ensure you do not get any breakages.
The cab of the vehicle has decals provided for in instrument clusters. The glazing meets my expectations, the seats could do with a little bit of detailing, as could the backrest . The doors are nicely detailed and while not shown in the instructions as opened, I believe it would not be that difficult to do so. Moving to the hood, it is not really practical to show it open which is a shame due to the engine being provided. But the front grille is particularly well moulded, due to the fine vents being open. ICM has provided things such as windscreen wipers as separate mouldings, and these are fair with regards to detail - But, due to the previous releases or versions of this model photo etched sets will be available to up grade the kit and a specific release will I am sure, be along shortly.
The bed of the truck, is a wooden structure. The detail is generally good, but you cannot realistically shown any of the panels open, however after market photo etched sets may address this weakness. The canvas support frames are included but not installable, being at the front only in the stored position. An aspect of this kit, which I particularly appreciate as a modeller is that the chassis with is drives, the cab and the truck bed are all separate elements that come together at the end, and this will make painting and weathering and particularly detailing elements with paint a much easier task that it may otherwise have been.
ICM has provided 3 finishing options for this release - However none of them are specific as regards their finish, with the options covering a base painted model, a 3 colour camouflage and a winter whitewash finish.
Conclusion
I do like the Mautier as the tracks make for an interesting visual and enables the modeller to really dirty the vehicle up. Detail overall is pleasing, but I am not an expert to say that it is 100% accurate. I appreciate that the model comes together at the end as 3 main sub-assemblies, which makes life easier as far as I am concerned. I am very disappointed that ICM has not covered specific vehicles, as I am sure they could have done this. But a final plus, is that the front wheels can be shown turned.