Building the ICM 1/24 Model T 1911 Touring #3

 

ICM did not do the best on this kit. It's ok, but the engineering is a bit sloppy. For example, they give you the three control pedals, but there is nothing under the floor openings to connect them to. A section of strip is cut and fitted underneath.

Once in place I mark with a soft pencil where the pedals should go.

I check my reference for the normal pedal positions. ICM also did not put the raised letter detail on the parts either. This is surprising given the amount of reference there is on Model T's.

The bottoms of each pedal are drilled out and stretched sprue is glued in to create a pin.

It is more work to make the pin connectors, but saves the big headache when it comes time to build.

Strangely, ICM also does not provide any sort of connector to locate the bottom of the steering column. A hole is drilled in both parts and a sprue pin is attached. This will come in handy when the body is on and the mounting point of the steering column will be hidden.

The same is done for the gear selector. I know this looks like a parking brake, but driving a Model T is like driving a tractor, the controls are in different locations.

A shot of all the major components showing the added blocks and screw holes so that everything here can be mechanically put together instead of using glue. One big plus is that it allows me to put everything together and locate other more delicate parts beforehand.

ICM sort of wings it with the two braces that support the windscreen. They provide a locator at the top on the windscreen but not on the other end which connects to the chassis. I broke the part trying to clean it up. I cut off the ends and replaced the middle with .040 plastic rod.

Top connector drilled and pins are put in.

Same with the bottom. The lower ends are glued to the radiator using tube glue so I can position them. The pins hold everything together allowing this. Once dry, everything can be pulled apart and more easily painted.

Here are the brackets on the radiator. All of these parts are polished brass.

I decided to improve the wheel hubs, so they are cut off.

I turn down some plastic rod and locate some Tichy bolts.

Here is the new wheel hub part.

That's it for now. Happy Modeling!