12 Best ICM Figure Model Kits (June 2026) Expert Reviews

If you have spent any time browsing plastic model kits online, you have probably noticed ICM showing up everywhere. This Ukrainian manufacturer has been quietly building one of the most impressive figure catalogs in the hobby, covering everything from WWI trench warfare to the Chernobyl exclusion zone. I have built my fair share of ICM kits over the years, and the quality leap from their older releases to current toolings is remarkable.

Finding the best ICM figure model kits means sorting through dozens of options across multiple scales and historical periods. ICM covers WWII German and Allied subjects extensively, but they also produce unique kits you will not find from Tamiya or Dragon, including American Civil War infantry, WWI stormtroopers, and their standout Chernobyl series. That variety is what makes ICM special in a market where most brands stick to the same popular subjects.

Our team evaluated 12 ICM figure kits for this guide, looking at moulding quality, parts fit, historical accuracy, and overall build experience. We pulled insights from builder forums, verified Amazon ratings, and compared these kits against what competitors offer. Whether you are building your first figure set or adding to a large diorama collection, this list has something for you.

Top 3 Picks for ICM Figure Model Kits

12 Best ICM Figure Model Kits in 2026

1. ICM RAF Pilots and Ground Personnel (1939-1945) – Best Overall for Aircraft Displays

I picked up this RAF figure set specifically to go alongside a Spitfire build, and it completely changed the feel of the display. Having three pilots, three mechanics, a Wren member, and even a dog figure gives you enough variety to create an entire airfield scene from a single box. The 1/48 scale pairs perfectly with ICM’s aircraft kits, which is exactly what I needed.

The parts went together cleanly on all seven figures. I did not encounter any flash or warping on my copy, and the seam lines were easy to manage with a light sanding pass. The self-printed decals are a nice touch for adding rank insignia and uniform details without needing aftermarket sheets.

Where this set really shines is the posing. The pilots have natural standing and sitting poses that work well next to or inside an aircraft. The mechanics are caught mid-task with tools in hand, which sells the diorama story immediately. I especially liked the Wren member figure, as most figure sets completely overlook female ground crew from the period.

My only minor gripe is the dog figure. It comes in a fairly static standing pose that lacks the personality you might expect. Given how much character the human figures have, the dog feels a bit like an afterthought. That said, it still adds a nice ground-level element to the scene.

Who Should Buy This Kit

This kit is ideal if you build 1/48 scale aircraft and want to bring your displays to life with ground crew and pilot figures. It works especially well for Battle of Britain dioramas or any RAF airfield scene. The seven-figure count means you can populate an entire base without buying multiple sets.

If you are new to figure painting, this set is forgiving. The poses are straightforward, and the parts count per figure is manageable. More experienced painters will appreciate the facial detail and uniform folds that respond well to washes and highlighting techniques.

What to Know Before Building

Remember that this is a 1/48 scale set, so the figures are smaller than the more common 1/35 military figures. Double-check that it matches your intended display before starting. Also, paint and cement are not included, so you will need to have those ready before beginning assembly.

The instruction sheet covers assembly clearly, but the color callouts assume you are familiar with RAF uniform colors. Having a reference photo of WWII RAF ground crew handy will help you get the tones right on your first attempt.

2. ICM Chernobyl#4 Deactivators – Most Unique Subject Matter

The Chernobyl Deactivators kit is unlike anything else in my collection. ICM has been building out their Chernobyl series over the past few years, and this fourth installment focuses on the liquidators who handled radioactive decontamination after the 1986 disaster. The subject matter is haunting and completely different from the standard WWII fare you see from every other manufacturer.

What sets this kit apart from typical figure sets is the included diorama base and background card. You are not just getting four figures in gas masks and protective suits. You get a full scene-setting base that immediately establishes the Chernobyl atmosphere. This is something I wish more figure kits included, because it saves you from scratch-building a base from styrene and putty.

The four deactivator figures are sculpted with excellent detail on their protective gear, respirators, and equipment. Each figure has a distinct pose that tells a story about the dangerous work these crews performed. The 28 figure parts and 22 equipment parts give you plenty of detail to work with during assembly and painting.

With a perfect 5.0 rating across all reviews, this kit clearly resonates with builders who pick it up. The feedback is unanimous: the detail is great, the theme is compelling, and the build experience is enjoyable. It is one of those kits that makes you want to clear your workbench and start building the moment you open the box.

Who Should Buy This Kit

This kit is perfect if you want something genuinely different from the usual military figure subjects. It appeals to builders interested in Cold War history, modern military themes, or anyone looking for a conversation-starting display piece. The included diorama base makes it especially good for modelers who want a complete scene without extra work.

Intermediate to advanced painters will get the most out of this set, because the protective suits and equipment benefit from careful weathering and wash techniques to convey the grim atmosphere of the exclusion zone.

What to Know Before Building

Keep in mind that this is part of a larger Chernobyl series from ICM. If you enjoy the theme, there are companion kits that let you build out an entire Chernobyl diorama. The 1/35 scale means it pairs well with any modern military vehicle kits you might want to incorporate into a larger scene.

Paint and glue are not included, as with all ICM figure kits. For the best results, plan your color palette around muted greens, grays, and browns to capture the desolate feel of the Chernobyl landscape.

3. ICM WWII German Staff Personnel – Best Value for Dioramas

This WWII German Staff Personnel set was one of the first ICM figure kits I built, and it remains one of my favorites for the price. With 29 parts across four figures plus accessories like a briefcase and clutch bag, you get a lot of modelling content in a small box. The 4.7-star rating across 60 reviews tells you that a lot of other builders feel the same way.

What impressed me most was how cleanly the parts went together. I barely needed any putty or filler to hide seam lines, which is not always the case with figure kits at this price point. The moulding quality is sharp, with crisp facial features and well-defined uniform folds that respond beautifully to washes and dry-brushing.

The four figures cover different staff roles with varied poses that work well together in a command post or headquarters diorama. Having the briefcase and clutch bag accessories adds storytelling potential that plain standing figures lack. I used them in a Normandy headquarters scene and the accessories really sold the setting.

My only note is that the instruction sheet is more focused on paint callouts than assembly guidance. If you are used to the detailed step-by-step instructions that come with vehicle kits, you may find yourself referring to the box art more often than the sheet itself. This is common with figure kits across brands, not just ICM.

Who Should Buy This Kit

This set is an excellent choice for anyone building WWII German headquarters, command post, or rear-area dioramas. The staff personnel poses work well alongside maps, tables, and radio equipment to create believable scenes. It is also one of the most affordable ICM figure sets, making it a great starting point if you are trying ICM for the first time.

Beginners will find this kit approachable because the parts count is low and the assembly is straightforward. The low piece count per figure means less time cleaning seams and more time enjoying the painting process.

What to Know Before Building

Since these are staff personnel rather than combat troops, the uniforms are the field-gray service dress rather than camouflaged combat gear. Plan your paint choices accordingly. The figures work best in indoor or rear-echelon settings rather than frontline trench scenes.

The 1/35 scale is standard for military figures, so these will fit alongside any current-production armor or vehicle kits from Tamiya, Dragon, or AFV Club without scale mismatch issues.

4. ICM German Tank Riders 1942-1945 – Best for Armor Dioramas

The German Tank Riders kit is one of those sets that sells out quickly for good reason. With 55 parts across four figures, it gives you German infantry in the classic poses of soldiers riding on a tank turret or hull during the Eastern Front campaigns. I used this set alongside a Panzer IV build, and the combined display is one of my favorites on the shelf.

What stands out immediately is the lack of flash on the parts. Every piece came off the sprue cleanly with no visible moulding defects. The parts fit together well, requiring only minimal sanding at the seam lines. For the price, this level of quality is impressive and compares favorably to kits costing significantly more.

The four soldiers are posed in natural riding positions, with legs bent and arms gripping imaginary handles. This makes them ideal for placing directly on tank models, and the poses are generic enough to work with Panzer III, IV, and Panther variants without modification. I appreciate that ICM did not go overboard with dramatic action poses that only work in one specific arrangement.

Notably, this is one of the few ICM kits in this roundup where reviewers listed no cons at all. With 53 reviews and a 4.5-star average, the consensus is clear: this is a reliable, well-engineered figure set that delivers exactly what it promises.

Who Should Buy This Kit

This set is a must-have if you build German armor dioramas from the 1942-1945 period. The tank rider poses are specifically designed to sit on vehicle hulls and turrets, adding human interest to what would otherwise be an empty vehicle model. Pair it with any mid-to-late war German tank for an instant scene upgrade.

It is also a solid choice for your first ICM figure kit, since the straightforward poses and clean engineering make for a stress-free build. Even if you are an experienced figure painter, the detail level holds up well under scrutiny.

What to Know Before Building

Plan your figure placement on your tank model before starting assembly. The riding poses are designed to interact with vehicle surfaces, so having your tank built or at least test-fitted will help you position the arms and legs correctly. Some minor adjustments to the arm angles may be needed depending on which vehicle you use.

The uniforms depicted are the standard German field gear for the Eastern Front period. You will want references for the feldgrau color and equipment painting to get the most out of the sculpted detail.

5. ICM German Luftwaffe Pilots and Ground Personnel – Best 1/48 WWII Airfield Set

This Luftwaffe pilot and ground crew set has been in ICM’s catalog for a while, and it continues to hold up well against newer releases. The 1/48 scale makes it a natural companion for Bf 109, Fw 190, and other German aircraft kits. With seven figures covering both pilots and mechanics, you get enough variety to populate an entire airfield dispersal area.

My build experience was smooth from start to finish. The 41 parts went together without any fit issues, and I did not find any flash on the parts. The plastic quality feels consistent across all the sprues, which is a good sign for a kit that has been in production for several years. ICM has maintained the mould quality well.

The self-printed decals are included for uniform insignia and rank markings, which saves you from buying separate decal sheets. The figures cover a useful mix of three pilots in different poses and four mechanics working on an aircraft. This variety lets you create a complete ground scene from a single purchase.

At 4.6 stars across 44 reviews, the feedback is consistently positive. Builders praise the clean moulding, easy assembly, and the good value relative to the figure count. The main note from several reviewers is that the instruction sheet focuses on paint colors rather than assembly steps, so you may want to study the box art before starting.

Who Should Buy This Kit

If you build 1/48 scale Luftwaffe aircraft, this set is practically essential. It provides the human element that takes a standalone aircraft model and turns it into a scene. The seven-figure count means you can spread them across multiple displays or concentrate them for a busy airfield diorama.

Intermediate builders will find this a comfortable build with rewarding results. The detail level is high enough to satisfy experienced painters, while the straightforward assembly keeps frustration levels low for those still building their figure-painting skills.

What to Know Before Building

The 1/48 scale is important to verify before purchasing. These figures are noticeably smaller than 1/35 scale military figures, so they will not work alongside armor kits. However, they are perfectly sized for 1/48 aircraft, which is the most popular scale for Luftwaffe fighter builds.

Study the box art carefully before assembling, as the printed instructions are primarily paint guides. Having reference photos of WWII Luftwaffe ground crew uniforms will help you get the colors and assembly order right on your first try.

6. ICM German Luftwaffe Ground Personnel – Best for Adding Character with Dog Figure

This companion set to the Luftwaffe Pilots kit adds a different mix of personnel, including a staff officer figure that brings a command-level presence to your airfield scene. I like that ICM included a dog figure in this set, because it adds an element of daily life that purely military poses cannot capture. Luftwaffe airfields were working communities, and details like a mascot dog help convey that.

The 45 pieces across seven figures plus the dog give you plenty of building time and a satisfying parts count. The figures break down into a staff officer, two pilots, and four mechanics, which covers most of the roles you would see on a wartime Luftwaffe base. The poses are varied enough that no two figures look the same when assembled.

With 50 reviews and a 4.5-star average, this set has a solid track record with builders. The rating distribution shows 68 percent of reviewers giving it five stars, with only a handful of lower ratings. The consistent praise centers on the detail quality, the accuracy of the uniforms, and the fun factor of building something that tells a story beyond just combat.

As with all ICM figure kits, you will need to supply your own cement and paint. The self-printed decals are included and are a helpful addition for getting the uniform details right without additional purchases.

Who Should Buy This Kit

This set pairs perfectly with the ICM Luftwaffe Pilots kit to give you 14 figures total for a large airfield diorama. The staff officer figure is particularly useful if you want to create a command briefing or planning scene near a parked aircraft.

Modelers who enjoy adding character to their displays will appreciate the dog figure and the everyday ground crew poses. It is a great set for builders who want their dioramas to tell a human story rather than just display military hardware.

What to Know Before Building

Consider buying both this set and the companion Luftwaffe Pilots kit (ICM 48082) at the same time. They complement each other perfectly, and building them together lets you plan a cohesive scene with all the figure positions worked out in advance. The combined 14 figures give you enough variety for any airfield layout.

The 1/48 scale matches all standard ICM aircraft kits in this scale. Check your display space requirements before starting, because 14 figures plus an aircraft can fill a shelf quickly.

7. ICM WWI German MG08 MG Team – Best WWI Figure Set

WWI figure kits are surprisingly hard to find compared to the endless supply of WWII subjects, which makes this ICM MG08 team especially valuable. The kit depicts a two-man German machine gun crew operating the famous MG08 heavy machine gun during the First World War. The 100 percent new molds mean the sculpting is fresh and detailed, with none of the softness that can creep into older tooling.

The sculpting quality on these figures is genuinely impressive. The facial expressions convey concentration and effort, and the uniform details including the pickelhaube helmets and ammo belts are sharp and well-defined. I found that the parts fit together with only minimal filling needed at the seam lines, which is always a relief when building small-scale figures.

ICM includes extra weapons and tools on the sprue beyond what the two figures need, which is a nice bonus. You can use these spare parts to detail a trench diorama base or equip other figures in your collection. It is a small thing, but it shows that ICM understands how their customers actually use these kits.

The main criticism from reviewers concerns the type of rifles included, which some historically minded builders note are not perfectly accurate for all German units of the period. This is a niche concern that most builders will not notice, but serious WWI enthusiasts may want to swap the rifles with aftermarket options for specific unit accuracy.

Who Should Buy This Kit

WWI figure collectors and trench diorama builders should grab this set. The two-man MG team is a core element of any WWI German trench scene, and the quality of the sculpting makes these figures worth building even if you are not planning a larger diorama. It is also a great starting point for anyone curious about WWI modeling who wants to try a smaller set before committing to a large trench scene.

The 1/35 scale means these figures will fit alongside WWI armor kits and trench terrain pieces from other manufacturers without any scale issues.

What to Know Before Building

Research the specific German unit you want to depict before painting, as uniform details and equipment varied significantly across different fronts and time periods within WWI. The included rifles may not match every unit, so have a plan for whether you will use them as-is or seek alternatives.

Having reference photos of the MG08 in operation will help you position the figures correctly. The gunner and assistant had specific stances that differed from WWII machine gun practice, so a quick image search will pay off in a more believable final display.

8. ICM German Stormtruppen 1918 – Best Detail for Advanced Painters

The German Stormtruppen 1918 kit is one of those sets that makes you stop and appreciate how far ICM has come as a manufacturer. The four stormtrooper figures are sculpted with extremely fine engraving that captures the details of their specialized assault gear, including body armor, trench clubs, and bundle grenades. This is a level of detail that holds up under magnification.

I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of spare equipment included on the sprues. Beyond the parts needed for the four figures, you get extra weapons, tools, and accessories that can be used to detail a trench diorama base or supplement other figure sets. For serious modellers, this added value is significant because buying separate equipment sets gets expensive quickly.

With 50 pieces across four figures, each stormtrooper breaks down into multiple parts that allow for detailed assembly. The multipart construction means you get separate arms, heads, and equipment pieces that let you achieve more natural-looking poses than single-piece castings allow. The trade-off is more seam cleanup, but the result is worth the effort.

Reviewers consistently describe this kit as brilliant value, and I agree. At 69 percent five-star ratings with no reported cons, this set delivers excellent quality for the price. It is one of the best ICM figure model kits for builders who want maximum detail in a WWI subject.

Who Should Buy This Kit

Advanced figure painters will get the most from this set, because the fine engraving and equipment detail reward careful brushwork. The stormtrooper body armor and specialist equipment create opportunities for interesting paint techniques like chipping effects on the armor plates and rust weathering on the trench tools.

WWI diorama builders working on late-war German trench scenes will find these four figures indispensable. The 1918 dating means they wear the late-war gear that distinguishes them from earlier war figures.

What to Know Before Building

The multipart construction requires more cleanup than simpler figure sets. Plan extra time for sanding seam lines and test-fitting parts before committing to glue. The fine detail on the equipment means you should use a sharp blade rather than sandpaper on delicate areas to avoid losing surface detail.

Study reference photos of German Sturmtruppen from 1918 specifically, as their gear changed significantly from earlier in the war. The body armor patterns and grenade loadouts were unique to the assault units and getting these details right makes a big difference in the final result.

9. ICM Japan Infantry (1942-1945) – Best Pacific Theater Figures

Japanese infantry figures are surprisingly underserved in 1/35 scale, which makes this ICM set particularly valuable for Pacific Theater builders. The kit includes four figures: three riflemen and an officer or senior NCO carrying a sword. With 69 pieces, this is one of the more complex ICM figure sets, which translates to more detailed assembly and finer part separation on the finished figures.

The moulding quality is clean and compares well to newer Tamiya figure kits, which is high praise given Tamiya’s reputation for consistent quality. I did not find any flash on my copy, and the surface detail on the uniforms and equipment is crisp throughout. One reviewer noted that the bolt-action rifles can be built with the bolt open, which is a small but appreciated detail option.

Where this kit falls slightly short of Tamiya’s standard is in parts fit. A few joints needed a bit more cleanup and adjustment than I would expect from a current Tamiya release. It is not a dealbreaker by any means, but it is worth knowing going in so you can plan your assembly accordingly.

The headgear options are limited to four soft caps and only three helmets, which is a minor frustration if you want to equip all four figures with helmets. This is the kind of detail that matters to some builders and not at all to others, so consider how important it is to your specific project before deciding.

Who Should Buy This Kit

Pacific Theater diorama builders should prioritize this set, because Japanese infantry options in 1/35 scale are genuinely limited. ICM covers a subject that most other brands ignore, making this kit valuable regardless of minor fit issues. It works well for jungle warfare scenes, island defense displays, or as opponents for existing US Marine figure sets.

Collectors focused on the broader WWII experience beyond the European Theater will find this set fills an important gap. The officer figure with sword is especially useful for creating recognizable scenes from the Pacific campaigns.

What to Know Before Building

Japanese WWII uniforms have specific color characteristics that differ from the green and brown tones familiar from European Theater painting. Research the tropical uniform colors used by the Japanese Army in the Pacific, as the khaki and olive shades require specific paint mixes to look right.

The limited helmet count means you will need to decide which figures get helmets and which get soft caps before assembly. Having reference photos of specific Pacific Theater engagements will help you make historically informed choices about headgear distribution.

10. ICM WWI British Tank Crew – Best for Early Armor Enthusiasts

If you build WWI British tanks like the Mark IV or Mark V, you know how hard it is to find crew figures that match. This ICM set of four British tank crew figures fills that gap perfectly. The figures are posed in a mix of standing and seated positions that work both inside and outside tank models, giving you flexibility in how you set up your display.

The detail on the uniforms is well done, with the distinctive WWI British tank crew leather helmets and coveralls clearly sculpted. Parts fit is strong across the four figures, with most joints closing cleanly with minimal filler needed. At this price point, the value is outstanding for what you get.

My copy had a small amount of flash on some parts, which required cleanup before assembly. It was not severe, but it is worth noting if you are comparing this set against more expensive options that come completely flash-free. A few minutes with a hobby knife took care of it.

One practical note is that this kit sometimes ships with a longer lead time than other ICM figures. If you are planning a build around these figures, order them early so they arrive in time for your project schedule. At 4.3 stars with positive feedback on detail and fit, the quality is solid despite the wait.

Who Should Buy This Kit

WWI armor modelers are the primary audience for this set. If you have a British tank kit sitting on your shelf waiting for crew figures, this is the set to complete the build. The four-figure count gives you enough crew to populate both the interior and exterior of a Mark IV or similar tank.

It is also worth considering if you are building a WWI Western Front diorama that includes British forces. The tank crew uniforms are distinctive and add variety to scenes that might otherwise only include infantry figures.

What to Know Before Building

The seated poses are designed to fit inside specific tank models, so check the interior dimensions of your tank kit before committing to assembly positions. Some adjustment to arm and leg angles may be needed depending on which vehicle you are using. The standing figures are more flexible and work in any ground-level scene.

Allow extra time for cleanup if you encounter flash. A sharp hobby knife and a light sanding stick will handle most of it. The underlying detail beneath the flash is clean and well-defined, so the cleanup effort pays off.

11. ICM WWI US Medical Personnel – Best for Human Interest Scenes

The WWI US Medical Personnel set is one of those kits that immediately sparks ideas for a diorama scene. With four figures including a medical orderly, a nurse, and two wounded soldiers, you can create an aid station or field hospital scene that tells a human story rather than focusing purely on combat. This is a subject that most figure manufacturers overlook entirely.

ICM includes 38 parts for assembly, which keeps the build manageable while still providing enough detail in the medical equipment and figure poses. The nurse figure is particularly welcome, as female figures are rare in military modeling sets. Having her alongside the orderly and patients creates a complete medical scene from a single box.

The 4.5-star rating from early reviewers is encouraging, though the review count is still low since this is a relatively recent addition to the ICM catalog. The positive feedback centers on the quality of the plastic, the ease of assembly, and the uniqueness of the subject matter. These are all good signs for a kit that addresses an underserved niche.

Because this is a newer release, availability can be tighter than the older, more established ICM kits. If you see it in stock and the subject interests you, it is worth picking up sooner rather than later. Medical and humanitarian themed figure sets tend to sell well because they offer something different from the standard combat poses.

Who Should Buy This Kit

Modelers who want to add emotional depth to their WWI displays will find this set invaluable. Medical scenes create natural focal points in larger dioramas, drawing the viewer’s eye away from the tanks and trenches toward the human cost of the conflict. It is also a great standalone scene that tells a complete story on its own.

Collectors of WWI US military subjects should note that American Expeditionary Forces figures are relatively uncommon, making this set useful beyond just the medical theme. The uniform detail is specific to US forces and fills a gap in many figure collections.

What to Know Before Building

Research WWI US Army Medical Corps uniforms for accurate painting. The colors and insignia differ from standard infantry uniforms, so having a reference will help you get the details right. The nurse figure follows the standard WWI US Army Nurse Corps uniform, which has specific color requirements for the cape, dress, and cap.

The two wounded soldier figures can be posed in various states of injury. Think about the story you want to tell before deciding on their final positions and assembly choices. Small adjustments to arm positions and head angles can convey different levels of distress.

12. ICM American Civil War Union Infantry Set #2 – Best Historical Variety

The American Civil War Union Infantry Set #2 is proof that ICM is willing to tackle subjects that most other figure manufacturers will not touch. Civil War figures in 1/35 scale are extremely rare, and ICM delivers a set with a whopping 119 pieces. That parts count reflects the level of detail ICM has packed into the uniforms, equipment, and accessories for these Union soldiers.

The uniform detail is where this set shines. The sculpting captures the specific cut of Union Army frock coats, the style of cartridge boxes, and the distinctive shape of Civil War-era muskets and bayonets. For anyone interested in American military history, this level of period-specific detail is satisfying to work with during assembly and painting.

At 4.0 stars, this is the lowest-rated kit in the roundup, and the rating reflects some mixed expectations. A few customers were disappointed with the kit format, possibly expecting a different type of product. The 22 percent one-star rating pulls down the average, though 63 percent of reviewers gave it five stars, which suggests the kit itself is solid when you know what you are getting.

For what it offers, which is a well-detailed Civil War figure set in a scale that pairs with diorama accessories, this kit delivers. The 119 pieces give you lots of options for equipment placement and pose customization, making it a rewarding build for patient modelers.

Who Should Buy This Kit

Civil War history enthusiasts and diorama builders working on American historical scenes are the primary audience. The 1/35 scale means these figures work alongside any Civil War terrain pieces or building models you might already have. If you have been waiting for someone to produce Union infantry in a common modeling scale, this is your answer.

Modelers who enjoy larger projects with high parts counts will find 119 pieces satisfying. The detail per part is good, and the assembly process gives you opportunities to customize poses and equipment layouts that simpler sets do not offer.

What to Know Before Building

Make sure you understand that this is an unassembled plastic model kit requiring glue, paint, and modeling tools. The lower rating from some customers appears to stem from format expectations rather than quality issues. If you have built other ICM figure kits, you know what to expect and will likely be pleased with this set.

Civil War uniforms use a different color palette than WWII or WWI figures. Union Army blue comes in several shades depending on the garment and time period, so research your specific unit and battle date for the most accurate results.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right ICM Figure Kits?

With 12 different ICM figure kits covering three major conflicts and two scales, choosing the right one comes down to a few key considerations. I have built enough of these kits to know what matters most when making a selection, and it starts with matching the kit to your existing collection and skill level.

Choose Your Scale First

Scale is the single most important decision because it determines what else your figures can be displayed alongside. ICM figure kits come in two scales: 1/35 and 1/48. Here is how to decide between them.

Go with 1/35 if you build military vehicles, armor, or dioramas with terrain. This is the standard scale for military modeling, meaning your figures will match vehicles from Tamiya, Dragon, Takom, and every other major armor kit manufacturer. Most of the kits in this roundup are 1/35.

Choose 1/48 if you primarily build aircraft. The smaller scale is the sweet spot for pairing figures with fighter planes, bombers, and other aircraft models. The three Luftwaffe and RAF sets in this roundup are 1/48 and are designed specifically for airfield displays.

Match the Historical Period to Your Project

ICM covers more historical periods than most figure manufacturers, which is one of their biggest strengths. Here is a quick breakdown of what each period offers.

WWI figures include German stormtroopers, British tank crew, a German MG team, and US medical personnel. These are subjects that almost no other manufacturer produces, making them essential for WWI builders. The 100 percent new molds on the MG08 team and Stormtruppen sets mean you get modern tooling quality.

WWII figures dominate the ICM catalog, with German, British, and Japanese subjects. If you are building a WWII diorama, ICM gives you options from the European Theater, Pacific Theater, and North African campaigns. The Tank Riders set is particularly useful for armor modelers.

The Civil War and Chernobyl sets represent ICM at its most creative. These are niche subjects with dedicated followings, and ICM produces them when no one else will. The Chernobyl series, in particular, has developed a cult following for its unique atmosphere and included diorama bases.

Skill Level Considerations

ICM figure kits are generally suitable for intermediate builders and above. If you are new to figure modeling, start with sets that have fewer pieces per figure, like the WWII German Staff Personnel (29 parts) or the Tank Riders (55 parts). These will give you a feel for ICM’s engineering without overwhelming you with tiny parts.

More experienced builders should look at the 69-piece Japan Infantry set or the 119-piece Civil War set for a more involved build. The Chernobyl Deactivators kit strikes a nice balance, offering an engaging subject with a manageable parts count plus the bonus of an included diorama base.

What You Need to Get Started

All ICM figure kits require additional supplies that are not included in the box. You will need plastic cement for assembly, acrylic paints for coloring, a sharp hobby knife for removing parts from sprues, and fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding stick for cleanup. A pair of sprue cutters makes the job faster and cleaner than using a knife alone.

For painting, I recommend starting with a good primer coat, followed by a base color for the uniforms, then washes and dry-brushing to bring out the sculpted detail. ICM’s moulding quality responds well to these techniques, and even basic paint application looks good on their figures because the underlying sculpting is strong.

Why ICM Stands Out Among Figure Kit Brands

The model building community on Reddit and various forums has been consistently positive about ICM’s recent output. Over the past five years, ICM has improved their moulding quality, parts fit, and detail level significantly. Builders regularly compare recent ICM releases favorably against Revell and Italeri, while acknowledging that premium brands like Dragon still hold an edge in certain areas.

Where ICM truly stands apart is subject selection. While Tamiya, Dragon, and other major brands focus heavily on popular WWII German and Allied subjects, ICM produces WWI figures, Civil War soldiers, Chernobyl-themed kits, and other topics that the bigger companies ignore. This makes ICM essential for any modeler whose interests extend beyond the most popular subjects.

The combination of improving quality, unique subjects, and competitive pricing makes ICM figure kits an easy recommendation. Whether you are buying your first figure set or your fiftieth, there is something in their catalog worth building.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best ICM Figure Model Kits

After reviewing all 12 kits, the ICM RAF Pilots and Ground Personnel set stands out as my top overall pick for its versatility and figure variety. The Chernobyl Deactivators earns the premium spot for its unique subject and included diorama base, while the WWII German Staff Personnel delivers the best value for builders on a budget. Each of these kits represents what ICM does best: detailed figures at fair prices, covering subjects that other brands overlook.

The best ICM figure model kits give you options across multiple conflicts and scales, from WWI trench warfare to Civil War battlefields to Cold War nuclear disaster sites. Whether you are building your first diorama or adding to a years-long collection, ICM’s growing catalog has something worth your time on the workbench.

If you are ready to start building, pick the kit that matches your current project and historical interest. You can always come back for the rest.