ICM 1/35 S-64E Skycrane with Universal Pod (53059)

This article will tell you more about ICM 1/35 S-64E Skycrane with Universal Pod (53059). New kit comes as yet another version of the impressive huge helicopter from the famous manufacturer. I reviewed the previous releases, so it will be interesting to see what is offered here. Well, it is not hard to guess from the name and boxart - we will get not only the helicopter model, but also the container which will be attached underneath it. Overall packaging is typical, so you can expect huge and hefty box. In total there are 619 parts which should assemble into a model with 775mm length. Let's open everything and take a closer look together.

By the way, here you can read review with another version of this heli.
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Watch this video-review where I show all parts even closer.

First frame is filled with small parts. This is a good reminder not to underestimate 1/35 scale model kit and to be ready for some fine bits.

Here you can see main rotor parts as well as some engine bits. It might be a good idea to think on how to strengthen rotor attachment.

Each landing gear wheel should be glued out of two halves. Molding quality looks great, so you just need to properly mask rims on those.

Front cab should be glued out of large panels. There are guiding elements inside which will assist you with overall alignment.

Those are rotor blades for the main rotor. They look fine, but it might be worth checking the photos of the real thing.

Tail fin should be glued out of several panels due to its boxy structure. All external parts are literally covered with raised rivets.

Those large panels will be used for the central section of the fuselage. I would recommend to use some strong glue for a more reliable result.

This frame comes with landing gear legs which will have to be installed on the special spar shown on the photo below.

Assembly might look too complex, but in reality it is a clever design, which should be fun to work with.

Universal Pod parts come on several frames. On the photo above you can see large external panels and landing gear.

Interior is also included for this item, what might be handy for some diorama ideas.

Note that doors and windows are molded separately.

Floor and roof panels look impressive and deserve a good paintwork with weathering.

Helicopter is full of small parts, and in some cases it might be a good idea to use tweezers.

Both engines will be visible on the finished model, so there is no chance to skip their details. :)

Clear frames are packed into separate plastic bags. Molding quality looks great and should be easy to work with.

Civil version has slightly different side windows. The left frame will be used for Universal Pod.

Two decals sheets are printed in great quality, so I didn't find any issue here. Assembly manual is typical for ICM, and you can check all pages in the video-review.

New big Skycrane should be already available for purchase. In my opinion it is a great choice for those brave ones who will find space and time to build such a project. Overall quality looks great out of the box, and you just need to decide on how to weather this whole thing. Moreover, there is some aftermarket available, but it will cost you extra, so think twice before getting something. The only thing that I can suggest is the flight crew figures which are made by ICM. :)

Get this and other kits in Modelimex webshop.