ICM 1/35 CH-54A Tarhe (53054)

This review will be dedicated to ICM 1/35 CH-54A Tarhe (53054). Kit comes as completely new-tooled plastic from the famous brand. Moreover, the scale choice might make it an interesting choice for some diorama project. It should be noted that CH-54A was used to transport even tanks, so you can guess what I am hinting at. There are 573 parts which should assemble into a model with 774mm length. Packaging is typical, but there are actually two thin boxes inside. Let's open them and take a closer look together.

By the way, here you can read review with Limited Edition kit from ICM.
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Watch this video-review where I show parts even closer.

First frame is full of thin parts. All of them look nice and molded clean. Nevertheless, I would recommend to see where you can replace some of those metal wire.

External surfaces will get a lot of details which are molded separately. It is good in this scale as such features should look even more convincing.

Here you can see some of the engine parts as well as landing gear wheels. I wonder which aftermarket will be first to come with resin wheels for this kit.

Don't forget that whole engine will be exposed on your model, so it might be a good opportunity to play with weathering. I would recommend to get some reference material for a better finish.

Here you can see panels for the nose section which should be glued together. I am glad to see one-piece nose plate as this will make whole model even better-looking.

Amount of rivets here is really impressive. Of course, you will have to be careful with those, but it is a welcome feature in 1/35 scale.

Rotor blades are also quite big, so finished model will take a lot of space. I am not sure if the sag should be present on those parts, it is better to check this thing if you are willing to get a more realistic look.

Here you can see another set of large parts. Tail section design is quite smart and features special interior tabs which will help to strengthen whole assembly.

Everything is arranged with help of smart guiding elements, so you shouldn't be worried about fitment. I wonder if it is possible to assemble separate "sections" and then connect them together.

Landing gear booms should be glued out of several parts. There are guiding pins inside to assist with that.

Last frame carries more panels for the internal structure as well as tailwing. Note attachment points placement on those parts.

I like details on the engine and driveshaft, so it is just a matter of carefully bringing them out on your build.

Clear frame is packed into separate plastic bag. Molding quality looks great, but surprisingly there are no masks or template in this kit. I guess you will have to wait for aftermarket here.

Decals sheet features all necessary symbols for two markings. Overall quality looks great, so it is just a matter of careful application. Assembly manual is typical for this brand. I show all pages in the video-review.

Ok, to sum it up it should be worth to say again that model will be HUGE in the finished state. Some modelers will like this, some will actually think on how to accommodate this giant. In my opinion it is a good chance to play with weathering and painting. Moreover, some figures and cargo will make your build even more interesting. This is definitely not something I would recommend to beginners, but experienced modelers will definitely have fun here. :)

Get this or other kits in Modelimex website.