The Daimler-Benz company designed the all wheel drive chassis L1500A at the end of 1941. This was a 1.5 ton chassis and like most of them built, received an open body for the transportation of seven men. In all, approximately 5,000 vehicles were built until production ceased in 1943. The L1500A was very reliable with a road speed of nearly 85 Kph and an off road speed that could reach 60 kph. It was powered by a 2.6 liter engine that provided 60 hp.

Adding to ICM's growing selection of personnel cars and light trucks is this very nice one of the D-B L1500A. Like their previous kits, this one is pretty parts intensive due to all the detail that is provided. There are three major sprues in their usual tan plastic with one smaller sprue for clear parts.

The kit comes with a complete engine and one also has to build up the chassis from separate side frames and cross overs. The suspension pieces are attached to the chassis as is the engine mount. Then one builds up the four wheel drive drive line that includes a transfer case and steering mechanism. This assembly along with the engine, exhaust and cooling system are then glued to the chassis. I should take this time to mention that the wheels are molded along with the outer sidewall and tread, while on the inside the sidewall and wheel are separate. Rather odd way of doing things but not unusual for ICM.

For the interior there is a well molded forward driver's section that includes separate gas, brake, and clutch pedals. Just as the original was slab sided, so is this kit. The doors on the body sides are separate and while shown modeled in the closed position, I see no reason why you could not build them open if you wished. For the cargo/crew compartment, there are two bench seats that face each other. The spare tire is also located in this area.

The top can only be built down and stowed. Front fenders are separate items as is the hood. The hood can be built open or closed and if you put any effort into the engine, you will want this to be open. Like most military vehicles of the time, there are a variety of items that fit on the outside such as large mirrors, a shovel, axe, and under-chassis storage areas.

Instructions are well drawn with color info provided during build. This is printed on ICM's slick paper and you have both generic and Model Master paint references. The decal sheet is well done and provides markings (mostly plates) for four vehicles in various schemes. An overall grey one is with Grossdeutchland in Ukraine during 1942. Another at Kharkov during that year is the box art vehicle that is crosshatched in Panzer Tan. An overall tan vehicle from North Africa during 1942 is next and finally another North African vehicle that has large areas of green on its tan.

If light transport and staff cars are your penchant, then this is a kit you should seriously consider. I have seen these ICM kits at shows and they are superb.

The side of the box

October 2012 

Thanks to Squadron Products for the preview kit. You can find this one at your favorite hobby shop or on-line retailer.