Introduction

ICM continues to off the Invader in its various uses and we retreat from post World War 2 conflicts and look at their use after the end of the 2nd world war. A number of Invaders performed secondary roles for the US Navy such a photography aircraft or target tows, they were also used for launching drones and so these aircraft were brightly coloured to avoid targeting accidents. These aircraft acquired the nickname ‘Jig Dog’ and were utilised in these roles until the 1970’s.

Review

This offering from ICM of A Jig Dog Invader in 1/48th scale is packaged in the now usual manner of a cardboard tray with flip top lid and an additional card lid. Inside there is a re-sealable plastic bag that contains all of the plastic parts. The instruction booklet is loose in the box with the decal sheet protected between its pages. An examination of the contents reveals no issues with the mouldings as they are clean and have good access.

The interior of the models continues to provide a good level of detail with one issue which is that the harness details for the seats are still not provided. The layout is starting to cause me concerns as I know that changes took place over the life of the aircraft depending on the role it provided in service; however I am not in a position to say if what is offered here is correct or not. The interior detail is covered from the front to the rear of what was the upper turret position in some versions. Bulkheads are in place along the length of the model that support the wings and help the modeller with the fuselage assembly, most of these will not be seen in this offering as there is no bomb load.

The wings of the model are moulded in the typical upper and lower portions and also have separate rear control flaps that the modeller can display as wished. The horizontal tail fins are also provided with separate control surfaces for display as wished. I am very pleased to see that where holes need to be made a drill size is mentioned. Panel lines throughout the model are recessed to a good level and appear to be correct. The engine nacelles are assembled off of the model and provide a nicely detailed wheel bay. To prevent the model being a tail sitter ICM has provided details on the amount of weight needed to prevent this; I suggest using a product such as liquid gravity as I think it is a great item for this purpose. 

The undercarriage is reasonably detailed from the box but could of course be dressed up further via after market sets to replicate cables. I have to say that the detail inside the wheel bays themselves is done to a pleasing level. The pistons of the engine bay are well replicated with a good level of detail for all plastic parts but could again be enhanced via aftermarket products. With that said I think most modellers will be help with the detail in these areas straight from the box.  

ICM has provided a plan for creating your own masks for the clear portions of the model and I commend them for taking this action in a number of their releases now. Two finishing options have been covered in this release from ICM which are:

Jig Dog JD-1D Invader 89075, Utility Squadron VU-3, US Navy 1950’s

Jig Dog JD-1D Invader 140356, China Lake, 1958

Conclusion

This release from ICM is another great and colourful offering of the Invader in 1/48th scale. The model from past experience fights back a little when getting the halves of the fuselage together, but with a little effort and care this is overcome. I am unsure of the accuracy of the cockpit layout, but a lot of effort has been put into the provided details throughout the model that should please most modellers and make for a great canvas for the super detailers to improve further upon.