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In-Box Review
135
G4 (W31) with Open Cover
Daimler Benz G4 (W31) with Open Cover
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by: Darren Baker [ CMOT ]

Introduction

ICM has added a great deal of soft skinned vehicles to their range recently, specifically World War Two soft skinned vehicles covering both trucks and cars. In this review I get to take a look at the Daimler Benz designed G4 in 1/35th scale. This vehicle was initially designed for the German Army; however it proved to be too expensive and overly complicated for mass production. The result of this was that only 72 G4’s were built with production being halted in 1939. The vehicles that were built were primarily used by members of the ruling elite and the highest ranking military officers. I have noticed that the number of cars said to have been built does vary wildly.

Contents

The model is packaged in a self sealing plastic bag, which is then packaged in a suitably sturdy box with an artist’s impression of the model on the front. The box is of a suitable standard to cope with reasonable handling in these days of internet shopping. In the box you will find;
  • An A4 sized instruction booklet
  • A decal sheet
  • 5 tan sprues
  • 1 clear sprue

Review

I am going to start this review by looking at the contents of the sprues. The moulding quality is as expected for a new model with no flash to contend with, there are however ejector pin marks on all of the larger mouldings, also present are a lot a flow lines on the larger parts. The ejector pin marks are minimal, shallow, and small; I believe the reason there are ejector pin marks is because ICM for the most part does not use moulding nipple on their products, and this results in larger moulding being marked during removal from the moulds. The flow marks in the mouldings do not I believe require any work to remedy, as I am unable to locate any deformations in the structures. Due to the sprues all be packaged in a single bag has resulted in the two front mudguards and riding boards breaking away from the sprue; the gates holding the parts on the sprue are small and so broke free at these points without causing any obvious damage.

The decals for the kit seem acceptable with good colour for the most part, however there are some issues; not all of which are the fault of ICM. The registrations offered for the car are good; being clear and precise. The flags for the car show excellent detail but unfortunately the swastika that should be in the centre of both of the flags has been omitted; while I understand that the symbol offends some I believe that model companies should give their customers the choice of using or not, the exception of course are certain countries where the image is banned by law and is why I do not blame ICM. There are also the dials for the dashboard included with the decals, unfortunately the dial detail has not been printed in my sample.

The instructions for this model consist of 12 pages, and uses the line drawing method of instruction to guide you through construction. The front page of the instruction booklet provides a short introduction in two languages, and provides some guidance and warnings again in two languages. Also on this page is a paint guide using model master paints and also provides the colours names. The next page provides a sprue guide and highlights parts that are not utilised. The construction of the model is then covered in 9 pages and 40 steps. The last page of the instructions covers the painting of the model and has two options which are;
G4 (W31) Germany 1938
G4 (W31) Germany 1939

Construction breakdown

Stages 1 through 3 covers assembly of the engine for the vehicle. The detail is fair for an out of the box build; but some extra detailing with wires and such which improve its appearance. Painting details are called out during construction which does save a lot of back and fourth.

Stages 4 through 6 covers construction of the wheels. The tread pattern on the tyres is fair but there is no makers name on the side walls of them.

Stages s and 9 covers the start of chassis assembly, and as with 2 other soft skin vehicles I have looked at from ICM I believe the parts follow the construction of the chassis on the full sized vehicle. The result of this is a very realistic looking chassis.

Stages 10 through 15 covers the assembly of the axles, hubs, and suspension of the vehicle. ICM has done another good job of replicating these structures and it should result in the underside of the car looking very good.

Stages 16 and 17 completes construction of the chassis as you add the axles, exhaust, and wheels. Judging from the look of the parts and the instructions this should be a good start to the model.

Stages 18 through 33 cover the body structure and interior of the car. This area looks to have been well researched as there is even a very detailed petrol tank for the car consisting of 13 parts. One thing that I am very pleased to see in this model is directions for displaying the bonnet open; this will allow the detail in the engine bay to be seen if wished.

Stages 34 through 39 brings the last of the parts together with the chassis. The body work having been built separate to the chassis should make painting a little easier to do with this construction method. There is a weakness here which is that the radiator has no rear detail, this oversight is a bit of a let down in an area that ICM has done very well for the most part. These stages close with the addition of the deployed roof , which I believe will look very good. A plus point is that the parts to show the roof folded are also in the box but is not indicated in the instructions.

Stage 40 does not cover any construction but shows you what the top and bottom of the model should look like when finished.

Conclusion

This model is not the type that would normally appeal to me, but having seen the detail and effort that I believe ICM has put into it; I am impressed. ICM has gone to the trouble of showing how to display the bonnet in a open position which will allow some of that great detail to be displayed and opening display options. The chassis, suspension, and engine are the stars of this model in my opinion, and this great detail will or should appeal to those who like to show destroyed vehicles, or perhaps a greater appeal will be the ability to show the vehicle being worked on.
SUMMARY
Highs: The chassis, suspension, and engine are the real stars of this model for me, and should really appeal to the super detailers out there.
Lows: The back of the radiator being missing is a let down in an otherwise great area.
Verdict: This model is an impressive size and detailed car which I recommend to the armour modeller looking for something a little different.
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: 35532
  PUBLISHED: May 20, 2013
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.04%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 84.86%

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.

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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...

Copyright ©2021 text by Darren Baker [ CMOT ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

ICM: Why no chrome option for the 1/35th model but all the chrome we cound hope for on the 1/24th scale version?
MAY 21, 2013 - 01:28 AM
Nice review, Darren. This had little appeal for me before, but your review has me thinking.
MAY 21, 2013 - 02:44 AM
I have both versions of this kit from ICM. I bought the Alliance modelworks decals and Azimut wheels. There were figures supplied with the first kit (which were very well done). I can't wait to build both kits. Jeff
MAY 21, 2013 - 11:48 AM
Hi, Mike! I'm thinking that the "chrome" option might have gone over the top with ICM's bean counters, or possibly "chrome" parts in plastic might have proved to be too delicate; I'm not talking about the grille shell, headlights or hub caps. But I AM talking about bodyside moldings, the windshield frame, door handles, etc. I'm just guessing... It WOULD be nice to have a "civilian" version like "The Evil One" rode into Austria right after the "Anschluss" in 1938...
MAY 22, 2013 - 10:17 AM
Nice review Darren! Something like this kit could have a lot of possibilities that aren't readily apparent- There are lots of figurines of German "Big Cheeses" (Officers and Generals) out there that would go quite nicely with this kit. Maybe someone out there could even do a "German Dictator" set..?
MAY 22, 2013 - 10:25 AM
   
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