ICM 1/24 G4 Personnel Car 1935 Production Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | April 2013 | Manufacturer | ICM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | G4 Personnel Car 1935 Production | Scale | 1/24 |
| Kit Number | 24011 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | Full engine, detailed chassis | Cons | None |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (USD) | $56.95 |
First Look
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The Mercedes Benz W34 Type G4 was designed for the German High Command in the mid-1930s. The vehicle was innovative as it was a spacious seven-passenger vehicle powered by an in-line eight-cylinder producing roughly 100 horsepower driving two rear axles for effective 4x6 travel off the paved roadways.
ICM has produced their first scale crossover vehicle. No, not in terms of green (environmentally friendly) power, rather they've taken a subject that was previously released in 1/35 armor scale and scaled it up to European automotive 1/24 scale. This version has some even nicer detailing than their earlier release and it also brings those elements common to auto modelers: chromed parts and rubber tires.
Some of the key features of the kit are:
- Full and highly detailed engine
- Detailed chassis
- Detailed 4x6 power train
- Full interior detailing
- Instrument gauges supplied as decals
- Hood can be positioned open or closed
The kit provides license plates and 'politically correct' (no swastikas) staff flags for four examples. These vehicles exhibit the style of a VIP vehicle before war shortages that would come later would minimize the polish and status of these vehicles.
I can see this as the first of many examples from ICM's soft-skinned military vehicles finding their way into the scale of the hard-core auto modeler. Built per the instructions, this will look very impressive on the shelf or contest table. Over here in America, I can see this vehicle as a resto-mod with an LS-series engine and a number of other updates, but that's just me...
My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!