ICM 32029 - 1:32 Bucker Bu 131D Winter Version WWII German Training Aircraft

Plastic model kit of the German Bücker Bü 131D training aircraft (winter version) in 1:32 scale

ICM 32029 is a kit for self-assembly representing the Bücker Bü 131D training biplane in its winter configuration. First flown in 1934, the Bü 131 Jungmann earned a reputation for excellent handling and high manoeuvrability, becoming one of the most widely used training aircraft of its time. The D version was the final production variant, with improvements to its powerplant, controls and landing gear.

The defining feature of this kit is the set of winter skis (Bücker-Schneekufen) fitted in place of the wheels. They allowed German flying schools to continue training even under a heavy blanket of snow. The model captures the aircraft's lines, with a detailed engine and realistic fabric texturing on the fuselage and wings standing out.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, wing and engine parts
• Clear parts
• 3D-printed resin winter skis (Bücker-Schneekufen)
• Decal sheet for 2 marking options (German flying-school aircraft)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:32
• Catalogue number: 32029
• Manufacturer: ICM
• Assembled length: approx. 208 mm, wingspan: approx. 231 mm
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Assembly:

In 1:32 scale the model offers plenty of detail, including a reproduced engine and cockpit interiors, so it is best suited to modellers with some experience. As a biplane it calls for careful alignment of the wings and for reproducing the rigging, which is worth planning before the airframe is closed up. The 3D-printed resin skis should be gently cleaned and test-fitted before assembly.

For the winter scheme, colours typical of German trainers with a white winter finish are recommended; the instructions provide paint suggestions for both marking options. A satin varnish suits aircraft finishes well, and decals are best applied over a gloss coat to avoid decal silvering.

Tools required:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement and cyanoacrylate glue for the resin parts
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Thread or rigging line (to reproduce the biplane rigging)
• A wash to bring out the detail

About the aircraft – Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann:

The Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann was the first production aircraft of the Bücker Flugzeugbau company. First flown in 1934, the two-seat biplane quickly won recognition for its fine flying qualities and ease of handling, serving both civilian flying schools and Luftwaffe training units.

The Bü 131D, standardised in the late 1930s, was the final production variant and remained in manufacture until 1942. Compared with the earlier A and B versions it introduced refinements to the powerplant, controls and landing gear. The aircraft was used to train pilots throughout most of the Second World War.

For winter airfields Bücker developed dedicated skis (Bücker-Schneekufen) that could be quickly fitted in place of the wheels. Ski-equipped aircraft were widely used by military flying schools, making training possible even in demanding snow conditions where a conventional wheeled undercarriage was no longer effective.

Original aircraft specifications (Bücker Bü 131D):

• Crew: 2 (instructor and student)
• Powerplant: Hirth HM 504 inline engine of approx. 105 hp
• Wingspan: 7.40 m
• Length: 6.62 m
• Maximum speed: approx. 183 km/h
• Structure: mixed-construction biplane with fabric-covered surfaces

About the manufacturer – ICM:

ICM is a Ukrainian manufacturer of model kits based in Kyiv, active in the modelling market since the 1990s. The company specialises in injection-moulded plastic kits covering aircraft, military and civilian vehicles, equipment and figures, and in recent years it has also developed its own line of acrylic paints and modelling chemistry. ICM is known for tooling new moulds and for choosing subjects rarely offered by other manufacturers. Its kits are characterised by finely reproduced detail and careful parts engineering. Releases often appear in variants pairing the same machine with different equipment, figures or configurations. Today the brand is recognised by modellers worldwide and available in many countries.