ICM's new kit in development
Stearman PT-17/N2S-3 Kaydet
American Training Aircraft
From ICM
Kit No. #32050
1/32nd scale
(100% new moulds)
IT seems that tICM is taking the mantle to make lesser-known aircraft from the 20th century in 32nd scale. The I-153 and Gloster Gladiator kits being just two so far - now the famous American staple of trainers the Stearman PT-17/N2S-3 "Kaydet" is getting the same treatment.
Don't know anything about the Kaydet?
A famous trainer aircraft, the Boeing Model 75 US Navy N2S-3 Stearman bi-plane (Navy variant of PT-17 and also referred to as “Kaydet”) served as a military trainer in the 1930s and 1940s for the USAAF (USAF), US Navy, and the Royal Canadian Air Force. The Canadian Lend-Lease Model 75s were called "Kaydet" and the name stuck over time, still being used today to identify the line
A total of 8,584 were built in the United States and is one of the most recognized trainers of all time. The majority of pilots learned to fly in a Kaydet and were required to solo in this aircraft before receiving pilot wings.
Post-War, the aircraft was used in several civilian roles, crop dusting, aerobatics, wing walking and various sport uses. It has also been in the movies seen chasing Cary Grant across a field in North by Northwest and was featured in The Aviator.
Aircraft specifications
Role: Trainer
Crew: 2 (student pilot in back, instructor in front)
Length 24 feet, 3 inches
Wingspan 32 feet, 2 inches
Empty Weight (Davisson) 1,935 lbs
Maximum Weight 2,717 lbs
Top Speed 124 mph
Cruising Speed 106 mph
Range 505 miles
Ceiling 11,200 feet
Engine PT-13 or N2S: 9-cylinder 225 hp Lycoming R-680 (Davisson)
N2S-3: R-670-4 (Wikipedia)
PT-17: 7-cylinder 220 hp Continental R-670 (Davisson)
The new kit from ICM:
This new kit is in 1/32nd scale, and although it is a simple construction there is enough for quick or detailed builds. The detail of the cockpit looks good enough, though many aftermarket companies will like this release too...
The CAD drawings of the kit so far...
The two-seat cockpit will be pretty visible from most angles...
Posable tail surfaces here also...
Another view from above showing the ribbed wings that will allow a lot of painting and weathering detail
The detailed rotary N2S-3: R-670-4 engine is again a feature of this kite for modellers
The detailed undersides and posable flying surfaces are visible in this drawing.
This model looks like a good start from ICM, hopefully, they will make many more of the licence-built aircraft from around the world and different variants. - Of course they will! The second kit in this line is due to be the Stearman PT-13/N2S-2/5 Kaydet.
Here is the box art of the second boxing...
They are also making a 32nd scale crew of a male and female to go with the kit - the boxart for that kit is taken directly from this picture.
More info on this kit on the ICM Website