ICM 1/48 Forward Base (48303)

This review is dedicated to ICM 1/48 Forward Base (48303). As you can guess from the boxart, one box will bring you several kits, which you can combine into diorama project. Moreover, this time we get figures for each of aircraft models. Note that helicopter comes from Special Hobby, and we reviewed the "solo" release before. Packaging is typical for this brand, and you will find some information on the sides. There are 169 parts for Cobra helicopter, 242 parts for OV-10A, 38 parts for five US pilots and ground personnel, and also 36 parts for five figures of US helicopter pilots.

By the way, here you can read review with another combo-set from ICM.
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Watch this video-review where I show all parts even closer.

I suggest to start with figures. As you can guess, all of them fit onto one plastic frame, parts division is somewhat similar to what we are used to see in 1/35 scale.

Overall sculpting quality looks good even in this scale. Note that all poses are pre-defined here.

Now we can talk about helicopter set. Both fuselage halves are molded without tail fin, as you will have a choice between two versions.

The same can be said about landing gear rails. Note that towing rack is still here, and it might come handy for some diorama ideas.

Here you can see two versions of the tail fin, which I mentioned before. Even though model comes in smaller scale than ICM release, it still features a lot of small parts, so be ready.

Cockpit is also highly detailed here. I would recommend to get some aftermarket PE from Eduard, as it would be visible through the canopy.

It is also nice to see that ICM kept all additional armament, so you will have a choice between several loadout schemes.

Clear frame is packed into separate plastic bag. Molding quality looks great and there is a masks template in the assembly manual.

Next we see parts for Bronco aircraft. Here you will notice large cockpit floor panel as well as fuel tank parts.

Wing mechanization is molded separately, so you can use it in your build. Landing gear wheels look fine, but I would recommend to find a resin replacement for even better appearance.

Armament is also here, so it is as good as what we saw in the helicopter kit. In my opinion it can be considered as big advantage of the kit.

Tail booms should be glued out of several parts. Note that lower panels come separately and such design should help you avoid unnecessary seams.

External features look great here. It should be noted that kit features raised rivets, and you will have to be careful while working around them.

Fuselage should be glued in the same fashion - out of several panels. Such design is suitable for boxy shapes of Bronco aircraft.

Wing parts are not that big, but still I would recommend to pay attention to the overall fitment. It might be tricky for some modelers.

Clear frame is also packed separately. Parts look god and should allow you to open the canopy.

Two decals sheets are printed in nice quality. Note that they also include some cockpit decals.

All assembly manuals come in the nice folder. You can check the pages in the video-review.

New kit should be already available for purchase. In one box you will get several nice sets, and in my opinion it is a great combo. Moreover, you don't have to build everything at once, so it can be considered as an efficient purchase, where you will save a bit. I also suggest to get some aftermarket, as both models deserve additional features, and some upgrades will have great influence on the overall appearance.

Get this and other models in Modelimex webshop.