The inventive Ukrainian manufacturer has released a new 1/72 package featuring two different ZiL vehicles and a MiG-29 fighter, as CHRIS CLIFFORD reports.
If you fancy completing a Cold War airfield diorama, ICM has issued a superb trio of items in its Soviet Military Airfield 1980s set (DS7203). At its core is the firm’s respectable Mikoyan MiG-29 9-13 Fulcrum kit, also issued last year in a topical Ghost of Kyiv boxing. It has engraved panel lines, accurate under-wing and centreline fuel tanks, plus AA-10 Alamo, AA-8 Aphid and AA-11 Archer air-to-air missiles.
Above: Soviet and Ukrainian decals are provided for the MiG-29.
Dual identity
In tune with the 1980s theme, Soviet markings are provided for the MiG-29, although Ukrainian insignia/Bort numbers are employed to portray a more modern post-bloc machine from the year 2000. Also supplied are two ZiL trucks of differing formats. One is a box-bodied -157 command vehicle, and the other an APA-50M mobile electrical unit. Both are splendid, being based on original Omega-K toolings from the 1990s, but with additional parts moulded by ICM. Both trucks have their own decal sheets and all markings, including those for the aircraft, are well printed.
Above and below: Decal sheets for both the APA-50 mobile electrical unit and command vehicle.
Enabling the diorama potential, ICM also offers 32 styrene PAG-14 concrete airfield slabs (with their pressed cross-hatch pattern moulded in situ), these first being released by the firm in 2011. Instruction sheets for the two trucks and MiG come in a smart A4 card folder (decorated with the box art), which could be re-used to hold photos, spare decals, reference printouts or other flat items.
Above: The PAG-14 slabs enable plenty of diorama potential.
This is a well-considered effort at providing essential elements for an aircraft scene. The MiG-29 may not be the most crisply moulded on the market, but it is certainly workable and can form the basis of a satisfying build. The trucks are splendid, with fine detail throughout. All this costs £31.80 via ICM’s UK importer Hannants… pretty good value in anyone’s book.
