The following text is the introduction as supplied by ICM with this model.
One of the most numerous and famous cars in world history was the Model T produced by the Ford Motor Company. It became the first mass produced car. Affordable for the middle class, the first example of the model T was built on September 27th 1908. It had a four cylinder engine producing 22.5 hp. The mass production was launched at the Highland Park Ford Plant, Michigan from the beginning of 1914. There were 15,007,003 cars produced from 1908 to 1927. Model T cars were produced in various types, in particular some 1911 cars had open topped five seat touring bodies.
Contents
ICM has changed their packaging for all models, or so it would seem from the last samples that arrived with me. The product is now packaged in a plain cardboard flip top box. The usual box top lid made of thin card is then placed on the cardboard flip top box. I feel this is an excellent move on the part of ICM now that large numbers of models are being ordered online and have to survive handling by various postal services. Well done ICM. Inside this new packaging you will find
5 grey sprues
1 brass chromed sprue
1 clear sprue
4 vinyl rubber tyres
An instruction booklet
Review
First Impressions
An inspection of the kit parts leaves a positive impression. There are no obvious moulding faults present such as flash or sink marks to be found. There are of course some ejector pin marks that will need to be tackled, but that is to be expected and ICM are improving all the time when it comes to placing them in hidden areas and they are getting smaller both in overall size and prominence. There are some flow lines present on the larger mouldings but these have not caused any noticeable deformities that I could detect. Another plus is that the gates between the sprues and moulded parts are of a reasonable size and not excessive in number. All told, off to a very good start.
The Engine
The engine is fairly basic as they go, but that does not mean ICM have cut corners. Checking it against online images indicates that ICM has done a very good job of replicating the engine, right down to some very fine details being present, especially around the exhaust manifold. The addition of some wiring should bring this area right up to spec. While on the subject of the engine ICM has provided a brass chromed radiator front with a grey plastic rear. It is not chrome as in shiny silver; it is designed to replicate brass. The coating has been applied to tan plastic fortunately or by design, but it will be difficult to hide the area where it was connected to the gate on the sprue. The front half of the brass effect radiator has very nice raised detail of the Ford logo.
Chassis and Suspension
The chassis is an integral part of the vehicles floor pan and so there are no concerns about getting this area out of true. The suspension and drive are as you would suspect pretty simple in design, but again ICM has done a good job of replication here. My only complaint in this area is that I would have liked the ability to display the front wheels turned rather than having them fixed in dead ahead, this is just a personal thing as I feel it adds interest to the look of a finished model.
Wheels
The wooden spoke wheels are very nicely replicated and love them or hate them white vinyl rubber tyres. The white vinyl is perhaps best left unpainted as I feel it would be hard to apply a more realistic colour than the vinyl already is.
Interior
The floor pan is very well replicated in this model having the textured detail present for both the step plate and the cab floor interior. Also present again is the Ford Logo embossed on the step plate. The separate part of the floor pan where the foot pedals locate also has the nicely embossed Ford logo present. The steering column and wheel is surprisingly well detailed with throttle and spark levers present as separate parts. The handbrake quadrant and bellow for the horn also well replicated. The seats or should I say two seat settees are really nice, painted in a red leather colour with some thoughtfully applied washes will make this area really stand out and catch the attention. The only downside here is that there are some ejector pin marks that will need attention on inner faces of the body panels.
Exterior
The exterior body of the vehicle is reasonably detailed and should look the part. I will say I would have liked the option of having the doors opened or closed instead of being moulded as a one piece with the body, with that said I feel it would be possible to do a bit of scratch building and make it possible to have the doors displayed as you wish. The bonnet is supplied in two parts and so could be depicted open to display the engine, but I am sure that each half of bonnet has another hinged area which would need to be created by the modeller. The headlights and coach lights have been very well replicated with some very nice detail. The design of the lights could I believe be set up with working lights via the use of LED lighting. The soft top roof will need some ejector pin marks dealt with on its inner face, but otherwise should look the part.
Glazing
The glazing parts supplied with the model are of a reasonable thickness and have good clarity.
Conclusion
This review is basically a repeat of my previous review; the only changes are the new longer roof, the side body panels and extra seats. Because the changes are minimal in number it really depends on which Model T you wish to replicate, Both this and the previous Model T release are very nice kits and will with careful painting look very eye catching in a cabinet or case. As you would expect there are a couple of issues with the ejector pin marks and I would have liked the doors to have the option of being shown open and the front wheels turned, but then again there is no such thing as a perfect model for everyone. If you are interested in the Ford Model T this kit is worth thinking about and I expect to see a few more Model T vehicles from ICM in the future.
SUMMARY
Highs: The brass effect lights, horn and radiator are very nicely done and will add the ‘look at me’ effect.Lows: There are a number of ejector pin marks that will need attention on the underside of the roof.Verdict: If you want a Ford Model T, this model is worthy of your consideration.
Our Thanks to ICM Holding! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
About Darren Baker (CMOT) FROM: ENGLAND - SOUTH WEST, UNITED KINGDOM
I have been building model kits since the early 70’s starting with Airfix kits of mostly aircraft, then progressing to the point I am at now building predominantly armour kits from all countries and time periods. Living in the middle of Salisbury plain since the 70’s, I have had lots of opportunitie...
Jesper: I have done a visual check and the items you mention are perfect in the second model, Sorry I failed to understand the first time around as you were spot on. Would you like to build one of them for the site?
Hi Darren
It's just a sideeffect of my occupation. I have been working in quality departments, in the plastic industry, for more than 20 years. Can't help noticing these things, however small
Darren, I would love to build one for the site.
I am sure that can be arranged. E-mail me your postal address and I will get one off to you, which do you prefer? Also are you going to do a build feature or blog?
Jesper this model will be winging its way to you this week, I had to wait for someone to give the Nast bank manager some pennies. In truth she is quite nice.
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