Review

ICM has released several variants of the Bronco, and it is good to see an aircraft as good as this getting the attention it deserves. The model is packaged in the usual manner of a flip top cardboard tray with an additional card lid. The instruction booklet is loose in the box, with the decals inside the manual, which means that the model itself is well protected, but the decals can be affected by damp. An examination of the contents reveals no obvious issues, beyond part of the canopy having broken from its connection. But I have not observed any obvious damage.

An examination of the model as regards the cockpit, is generally pleasing but it is missing the seat harnesses, which is a failing in a model of this scale with such large glazed areas. Construction of the model can be difficult in so much as due to the number of different variants released things such as the floor of the fuselage is a completely separate part and can fight you as regards it’s placement. Unusually for ICM no engine detail is included in the kit, but it is my opinion that this would effect very few modellers. The surface detail on the exterior of the model is exceptionally well represented, and is an aspect where ICM shows their abilities well. The panel lines and raised details is not subject to easy flooding and so it is a forgiving model where painting is concerned. The difference in this model, is I understand the un-manned gun turret at the rear of the fuselage which I suspect if used effectively would be ideal for keeping enemy heads down. Additional firepower is provided by LAU-69A and these rocket pods were also an effective if not a highly accurate weapons system. ICM has, as normal now provided a diagram for cutting your own masks, which is something I am pleased to see. 4finishing options have been included:

YOV-10DNOGS155395, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, 1971

YOV-10DNOGS155396, Naval Support Activity Binh Thuy, Summer 1941

YOV-10DNOGS155395, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, August 1973

YOV-10NOGS155396, Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake, 1975

This release of the Bronco I particularly like due to the aggressive look of the model, with its multi barrelled canon under the cockpit. Which to my mind makes this the poor mans version of the Air Forces A10s.