The ICM 1/24 scale 1930s Ford Model A Phaeton plastic model kit is the company’s latest car offering. Overall, the kit parts fit exceptionally well but be prepared for an abundance of small parts.
The instructions include a brief history, parts tree index, exploded assembly steps, suggested component colors, and a color paint guide for three cars. I recommend that you follow the assembly sequence to avoid any surprises.
Assembly starts with a multipart chassis. Make sure that it is level and square or you’ll have alignment issues later on.
The attractive, four-cylinder engine includes details right down to the individual spark plugs. The rear axle tubes and rear crossmember are a single part, so align it and install the differential and driveshaft. Make sure the front and rear axles are on the same plane so all four corners touch the ground.
ICM includes all of the individual levers and linkage rods for the mechanical brakes. I had trouble removing the rods from the parts trees without breaking them, even with a new No. 11 blade. I replaced them with florist wire.
Rubber tires mount to nicely molded wire wheels, which in turn mount to backing plates on the axles. A rear spare comes in the kit.
The fender assembly consists of four parts. Part C11 needs to align with pins on both the frame and fenders. Be sure to test-fit before gluing it.
The cowl assembly consists of ten parts. Thoroughly test-fit this because all the other body parts need to align with it. The body’s rear comes in three parts with separate interior door panels. The instructions have you permanently mount the engine compartment side panels to the body, which leaves the hood (Part B16) removable. If your cowl has been assembled correctly, all these components will fall in place.
The windshield and its frame are molded in a single, clear piece. A pattern is supplied in the instructions to mask the windshield frame. It’s just as easy to mask it with small tape pieces.
The complete interior features both seats, door panels, an instrument cluster, pedals, a gear shift, a steering wheel, and even the starter button on the floor. I positioned the rear seat back a little high so there would be a more positive mounting surface for the canvas top. The top’s interior framing builds up from separate rails.
ICM has its own dedicated acrylic paint set for early autos, and I decided to try it. I primed first and painted the gray, which dries flat and needed a gloss clear coat.
The kit provided decals for the instrument cluster, bumper highlights, and taillight. There are multiple choices for different U.S. state license plates. They released quickly in warm water and settled well.
I thoroughly enjoyed building the ICM 1/24 scale 1930s Ford Model A Phaeton plastic model kit, but be warned: you’ll need considerable patience and should follow the build sequence. For success, I recommend you have at least intermediate skills before tackling this model.
Hopefully, ICM will release different versions of the Ford Model A with other body styles and figures like it has done with the Model T. Gangsters would be cool!