LONG-NOSE BRONCO FROM ICM
It didn’t take long for ICM to follow its recent (and splendid) 1/48 OV-10A Bronco with the modernised OV-10D+ version. CHRIS CLIFFORD takes a look.
If a type was begging to be tooled in 1/48 scale, the Bronco was a worthy candidate… and ICM did us proud. For under £30 we now have a superb, finely crafted OV-10A, which will build beautifully out of the box. Bronco fans wanting to represent the type during its later service, though, can now do so with ICM’s new same-scale OV-10D+.
Above: The major difference with the OV-10D+ is the longer fuselage.
Above: There are also new outer tail boom surfaces, with integrally moulded chaff/flare dispensers.
Noted for its longer nose and other different structural nuances, these idiosyncrasies are all present in the updated boxing (48301). The new parts include the longer fuselage halves and corresponding underside surface, pylons, new propellers, instrument panels, outer tail booms with chaff/flare dispensers, a TV/FLIR turret and exhaust heat suppressors. Added to these are the AN/ALQ-144 infra-red ‘disco lights’ countermeasures unit, new wing fuel tanks and antennas.
Above: This new runner holds a different fuselage underside part, under-wing fuel tanks and pylons, and updated instrument panels.
Above: New propellers are also included. Note the fine moulding on the instrument panel.
Decals for five fresh US Marine Corps schemes are also present and these, appropriately, look altogether more menacing and modern than those worn by Vietnam-era airframes; First Gulf War machines are represented too. Low-vis grey and desert tones are accompanied by the USMC's fetching green, black and light grey livery. The schemes in detail are:
• 155473/22, Marine Observation Squadron 2 (VMO-2), Saudi Arabia, 1991
• 155489/05, VMO-1, USS Theodore Roosevelt, 1990
• 155494/20, VMO-2, Saudi Arabia, 1991
• 155494/01, VMO-2, early 1990s (presumed)
• 155499/02, VMO-1, early 1990s
While not unexpected, ICM’s upgrade to OV-10D+ status is hugely welcome, allowing fans of the Bronco to represent it across the ages and in different formats. It’s available from UK importer Hannants (www.hannants.co.uk), priced at £28.40.
