Introduction

ICM has released another of the Ford Model T Vehicles in 1/24 Scale. The Ford Model T is I believe the first mass produced vehicle that due to the production method was available to the many rather than the few. The first example of the Ford Model T was built on September 27th 1908, It had a four cylinder engine with mass production being started at the Highland Ford Plant Michigan with 15,007,003 variants being produced between 1908 until 1927.

Review

This offering from ICM is provided in the usual cardboard tray with flip top lid. This is further protected by a separate card lid with all the art work on it. The art work depicts the model provided with a male driver and female passenger. The mouldings inside are provided in a re-sealable plastic bag with the clear parts and vinyl tyres in separate re-sealable bags inside the main bag. An examination of the mouldings reveals no causes of concern with the possible exception of flow lines which do not feel or look to have caused any deformity of the finished parts. A further re-sealable bag is provided with the figures which again, on examination do not exhibit any issues.

As is usual with ICM, the oily bits have been supplied with the model and while no photo etch has been included, the parts for the engine and transmission have been well replicated. The addition of some wiring to replicate the pipes and wires in the engine bay will further enhance this area of the model. The radiator is particularly well moulded as on both the brass header tank and the grill ICM has remembered to correctly replicate the Ford insignia. I was also pleased to see ICM provide the piping connections from the radiator to the engine.

The Chassis of the vehicle is integrated with the floor pan and this has resulted in a structure that is square and so removes the concerns often associated with multipart chassis. There are of course elements of the chassis that need to be added to the model, most notably the braces that go from the transmission to the end of the stub axles. The axles have good detail overall although I am still upset not to have seen ICM supply a steerable front axle. The wheels for the model are I believe the wooden spoke design with white vinyl tyres. Turning to the upper face of the floor pan, I am very pleased to see a textured step on each side and again the Ford emblem correctly displayed on each side.

The bonnet for the engine has not been designed for easy or accurate display of the engine inside. I do not know why ICM have taken this route as the engine and bay are a pleasing aspect of this model. I suspect that there is a company that has produced photo etch bonnet details for this model, that will allow them to be accurately opened and have a scale profile. Moving to the Interior, We have the plush leather armchair look which is an all leather feature with studs creating a pleasing diamond pattern that gives the interior an austere look. The doors for the rear passenger area have not been designed to be shown open, again I feel this is ICM missing a trick. The plate at the front of the vehicle that covers the transmission housing again has the correctly formatted Ford Emblem. The gear shift is mounted at the top of the steering column and thus hand operated and this is finished off with a two part steering wheel which, again has a good level of detail. The three foot pedals have all been supplied separately, and so have a good level of detail. The hand brake has also been supplied as a separate piece which again has a good level of detail.

The windscreen and rear screen have a good thickness to them which avoids issues of magnification. The braces for the windscreen have been included. The soft roof of the vehicle does have an issue with some ejector pin marks on the inner face that will ideally need to be removed or hidden. The braces for the roof have been well depicted and should look the part once added. The lights on this vehicle are in the old carriage design, with clear lenses and this includes the front headlights. When it comes to finishing the model ICM has only supplied a single option, but I am sure that a search of the internet will reveal alternative finishing options.

The two figures provided in this offering look of a suitable build and scale for this model. The male driver has been depicted wearing a suit and tie topped off with a Trilby hat, there is even a handkerchief in the top breast pocket, this clothing I believe is suitable for anywhere between the 1920’s to the 1950’s and to some extent the 1960’s. The female figure is provided in an ankle length skirt, separate blouse and jacket and a wide brimmed hat. I believe this would tie her clothing down to 1910 to 1930. Something I do like about the female figure is that due to the legs having been supplied as separate parts it results in a nice undercut to the skirt. The female may appear at first to be slim but it must be remembered this is appropriate for the time period. I am also pleased the female figure does not have an over emphasized chest, and so has a more natural look. The facial features of both figures are very good, and the male even has a moustache. The hand and finger details is of a high standard and looks correct.

Conclusion

This offering from ICM should make for a pleasing model but there is plenty of room for the modeller to add their own special touches to further enhance the model. As regards to weaknesses I would’ve liked to have seen the option of having the bonnet and doors opened, also having the choice of the front wheels turned. In all other respects this is another quality product from ICM that should please most.