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In-Box Review
135
ICM Henschel Radio Truck
Henschel 33 D1 Kfz. 72 - WW2 German Radio Communications truck by ICM
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by: Cliff Hutchings [ MRROO ]



introduction

The Henschel 33 D1, built between 1934-1943 is a medium-sized 6 x 4 truck which was also built under license by Magirus (KHD) between 1938-1940. These were built with a variety of diesel & petrol power plants. The 33 D1 is petrol engined.

It fit into the German common general specification that was similar to the USA’s general specification for the GMC-CCKW-type truck. Unlike the GMC though, the Henschel and other standard makes were available to commercial users (with subsidy) and for export, mainly to boost production and reduce unit cost. In Germany these were used by other Government Departments including the Deutsche Reichsbahn (German Railways). They were also fitted with many different types of specialist body types, including radio trucks like the one released by ICM.

kit parts

The kit comes in ICM’s typical cardboard box with a coloured drawing of the contents on the cover. When the box was opened it contained two clear cellophane packets of sprues. One contained:

the 7 orange/yellow-coloured sprues while a second has
1 sprue with clear parts

An A4 instruction pamphlet containing 6 double-sided pages is also included and a small sheet of decals was fitted between the pages for protection.

the review

The box is in fact quite full so very little movement occurred during transit. The difference between this kit and the ICM Henschel cargo truck is mainly in sprues C1 & C2, which contain the body parts for the radio version. The plastic is still the hard brittle stuff that was used in the original cargo kit, so look out for a lot of the fine parts breaking regardless of how much care is taken removing them from the sprue.

Contrary to rumor there is NO interior in the radio body at all, it being a hollow shell. I would guess that the resin companies will soon sort out this shortfall though.

As I have both kits in my stash, I believe this ICM Henschel Radio truck kit is better than the IBG Einheitsdiesel Kfz 6-radio truck, primarily because it is molded with separate doors from the body sides, thus making it easier to build the kit with the doors open, rather then having to do major surgery to have them open as with IBG's offering. The lack of an interior to the radio body I am certain will be filled by one of the resin After Market Companies sooner rather then later, and this will add a further dimension to the kit.

I personally will not be doing a full interior on mine, as I have almost finished the IBG Radio truck with a full interior, and see no need to do two of them.

conclusion

A nicely detailed kit with a lot of fine detail often as good as Photo Etch AM parts, and it should build up into a nicely-detailed model if care is taken to remove the smaller parts from the sprues (due to the brittle plastic). Despite the brittle, hard plastic, I think this kit is worth getting and building due to its unique looks and rareness. All of that combines to make it a valuable addition to the shelf of any discerning modeller.
SUMMARY
Highs: A nicely-detailed kit that makes up into a rarely-seen vehicle. Molded so that the doors are separate pieces (unlike the IBG Radio truck), making it easier to detail the interior and build with the doors open.
Lows: Hard/brittle plastic means a lot of the finer parts will be broken getting them off the sprues.
Verdict: Not a kit for the beginners, but with patience will make up into a detailed model of a rarely-seen truck.
Percentage Rating
90%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: 35467
  Suggested Retail: $23.87
  PUBLISHED: Jun 07, 2012
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 88.80%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 84.86%

About Cliff Hutchings (MrRoo)
FROM: QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

Copyright ©2021 text by Cliff Hutchings [ MRROO ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Who makes the various coding machines? I know Eduard has a radio set....
JUN 09, 2012 - 04:02 AM
Bill there are several sets out there I just have to find them again. Once I do I'll post the links. But try searching this site using radio and a lot comes up
JUN 09, 2012 - 07:07 AM
I've seen radio stuff, but no Enigma coding machines, though I have seen them somewhere.
JUN 09, 2012 - 08:47 AM
I too have seen a set recently with the Enigma machine in it but can't remember where. Old age is catching up on me fast I think
JUN 09, 2012 - 09:56 AM
Ola Bill and Cliff Plusmodel makes a set with coding/communication machines among it is I believe an Engima coding machine
JUN 09, 2012 - 09:59 AM
Plus Models LINK
JUN 09, 2012 - 10:04 AM
Jaydar model shop are showing the Plus Models 249 in stock at under 15 bucks US. yes I am ordering one LOL!
JUN 09, 2012 - 10:09 AM
Thanks, Cliff, I have ordered a set and a Plus Models generator for the truck that I'd tried to get here, but the dealer was insulted when I asked him to take $70 for the thing including shipping. Said I was being "unfair to his other customers." We're talking about less than $5. So I got it cheaper from Jadar AND got the Enigma set and the ICM small radio car. So a good deal for me all around.
JUN 10, 2012 - 06:46 AM
Bill I ordered the ICM small radio car and the new Masterbox Mercedes Radio car 4 days ago. I am hoping they can add the radio set to the parcel to save on freight. I'd love to get the generator trailer but my pocket is empty for a while now.
JUN 10, 2012 - 09:58 AM
   
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