Introduction
The following introduction is taken from the ICM website:
The heavy-lift helicopter CH-54 Tarhe, created in 1962, was designed for transporting large military cargo. To enhance its transport capabilities, a special container was developed, which functioned as a transport capsule, allowing the transport of infantry, the wounded, or equipment. The containers were equipped with windows, doors, and a ramp at the rear, enabling the loading of military equipment, such as guns or light all-terrain vehicles. They could also be used for parachute deployment of soldiers. On the ground, if necessary, these universal containers could be towed on a trailer by military vehicles. A total of 22 containers were built, each with its own unique military registration number.
Review
This offering from ICM arrives in a sturdy flip top cardboard tray with a separate card lid. Inside the sprues are packaged in 2 plastic bags. An examination of the sprues reveals nothing that you need to concern yourself with. The gates are of a reasonable size, and you have good access for removal of parts.
The parts for the M8A1 US landing mat are provided as separate runs, so you can build as you desire and the parts are provided on 4 identical sprues. Each sprue provides you with 8 full length and 4 half length plates. The military pod provided is the same parts as offered in the previously released CH54A Tarhe. This universal pod is one of the troop transport pods containing seating for a large number of men. The interior detail would appear to be accurate with the exception of no harness detail being provided.
Now obviously with this release you are going to be looking at a pod on the ground which is either waiting to be picked up or used for a different purpose. The walls of the pod have good detail on both faces and you are also provided with doors that can be shown open or closed and clear windows are also present. I have not as yet heard any complaints about the detail when this was released with the CH54 and so it is my belief that everything that is present is accurate. The pod itself can be mounted on wheels, although it is also my belief that these wheels could be removed and the pod placed directly on the ground so the choice is yours. Also present are what I believe to be the mounting clamps that would attach it to the CH54.
ICM has provided 3 finishing options for this release:
Universal Military Pod, 295th Aviation Company, 1972
Universal Military Pod, Army National Guard, 1982
Universal Military Pod, 113th Aviation Regiment, 1989
Conclusion
This is an interesting release from ICM as it is not something that I would expect to see released in it’s own right. With than said, it is a large element that can be used in a number of settings on an airfield or forward army base. What does surprise me again, is that I believe these pods were used for multiple purposes and I almost expected an alternate use supplied in the instructions in this release. I would therefore not be overly surprised to see ICM release alternative interiors at some point in the future.