Introduction

ICM believes in getting the most from their moulds and who can blame them, this time they have released the FCM 36 in German use after the capitulation of France. I believe this is the 3rd release of the model and a look over the contents reveals no issues with the moulds thus far. Let’s see how ICM have done on this occasion.

Review

This offering from ICM is packed in the usual high standard of a flip top cardboard tray, and then a additional card lid with the art work printed on it. Inside the carton the model is packed in a re-sealable plastic bag, with the decals packed inside the instruction booklet. As you are aware I am not a fan of all parts being packed inside one bag, due to the risks of damage. In the case of this model, it does not appear to be obviously damaged. In all other respects the parts are provided as I would expect from ICM. 

The FCM 36 is a diminutive little tank, and so I was surprised to find the lower hull supplied in multiple parts the first time I looked it over, but with ICM having released a Marder 1 on this chassis it makes sense. By tackling the hull in this way it has allowed ICM to provide some nice moulded on detail. My one concern is the sides of the lower hull, which if not cleaned up correctly, or carefully placed could be off set. However, if you follow the instructions the front and rear of the lower hull, where it is angled, should enable you to get the sides correctly placed and orientated. While on the subject of the underside of the hull, I am very pleased with the effort that ICM have put into the detail provided.

 The upper hull is a straight forward addition to the kit with most of the detail moulded on. Except for some very small hinge attachments which will probably make the myopic among us swear!!! The louvered engine access panels, are provided separately, and add a nice touch. The drivers hatch, can be displayed open or closed, but with no interior present consideration will need to be given into how to fill the space. The last article of note is the exhaust which is a very visible part on this kit. My only disappointment here is that the vent on the exhaust has not been moulded open, despite having been moulded in two parts. A plus side to this being moulded in two halves does mean that the modeller does have easy access to open these aspects themselves. 

All of the wheels and drives on this model are fairly simple in their design. Other than the small size of the road wheels, I can see no issues with the attachment of these parts. The drive wheels do have some very nice detail on them. My only reference on this tank, is via on-line images only and everything I have seen thus far appears to match on-line reference. However it does need to be remembered, that these are preserved vehicles and may not be 100% accurate. The only aspect that I do not like, are the vinyl rubber tracks even though they appear to be accurate, vinyl rubber has become a bit of a bug bear with me. I do however appreciate; that ICM has provided a close up of the track links in order that you can accurately orientate their direction.

The turret of this model is very small, and I would imagine not the most pleasant place to be in peacetime, let alone war. The machine and main gun, has been well tackled and provided full length (including the breech end). The machine gun will require its muzzle to be drilled for accuracy. Hatches are provided separately for the turret, and this includes handles, which is pleasing to see. This particular vehicle has a large chain stowed on both the front and rear of the model, and ICM has provided this as individual plastic links. My gut says; use these links to find a suitable chain, as I can see them being a pain to use in plastic. 

ICM has provided three finishing options for this model, which are:

Panzerkampfwagen 737 FCM (f), 1940

FCM 36, Tank 30061 of the 4th French Tank Battalion, Captured by German Forces in June 1940

FCM 36, Tank 30022 of the 7th French Tank Battalion, Captured by German Forces in June 1940

Conclusion

One of the things that can be said for French tanks is that they have very visually appealing camouflages applied and also colourful decals; two of these offerings despite being captured vehicles still have a colourful finish. The German Buetepanzer is just grey which is difficult to make appealing. The model itself has 1 weakness in the form of the chain links and I would have preferred the tracks tackled differently than rubber band tracks. An examination of the decal sheet shows decals that are nicely thin, and so should not present any issues when applied to the model.