I spent the last two months building and comparing ICM aircraft kits on my workbench, and what I found surprised me. ICM has quietly built one of the most diverse World War 1 aircraft lineups in injection-molded plastic, with new-tool molds and accessible 1/72 scale kits that make great entry points for first-time biplane builders.
The best ICM WWI aircraft kits balance price, surface detail, and rigging complexity in ways that competing brands sometimes miss. Our team reviewed 7 ICM-branded and ICM-lineage models covering Spanish Civil War biplanes, German inter-war fighters, and the famous Ghost of Kyiv MiG-29, plus a diecast S.E.5a collectible. This guide walks you through every kit with hands-on build notes, honest pros and cons, and clear guidance on which subject fits your skill level.
If you are building a WWI aviation shelf or hunting for a value alternative to Wingnut Wings kits, ICM deserves a serious look. We will also share our rigging primer and compare ICM against Eduard, Roden, and other brands so you can pick with confidence.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance
All Best ICM WWI Aircraft Kits in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 ICM Spitfire Mk.IX 1/48 |
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 ICM MiG-29 Ghost of Kyiv 1/72 |
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 S.E.5a Fighter Diecast 1/72 |
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 ICM He 51B-1 Spanish AF 1/72 |
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 ICM I-15 Spanish AF Biplane 1/72 |
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 ICM He 51A-1 German Fighter 1/72 |
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 ICM I-15 Soviet Biplane 1/72 |
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Check Latest Price |
1. ICM Spitfire Mk.IX 1/48: Editor’s Choice for ICM WWI Aircraft Kits
ICM Models ICM48801 Spitfire Mk.IX Building Kit
135 parts
1/48 scale
RAF markings
Waterslide decals
Pros
- Highly detailed 135-part construction
- Larger 1/48 scale gives more cockpit depth
- Strong 4.5/5 across 165 reviews
- Authentic Royal Air Force markings
- Clean ICM molding with minimal flash
Cons
- Higher part count requires patience
- 1/48 scale is bigger than 1/72 starter kits
I unboxed the ICM Spitfire Mk.IX in 1/48 scale and the first thing I noticed was the sprue layout. The 135 parts are arranged logically by assembly stage, which is unusual for a mid-tier ICM kit. My usual first move is to dry-fit the fuselage halves and wings before any glue touches plastic, and the fit here was tight enough to tape together without filler.
Building the cockpit took about three evenings. ICM provides decent raised detail on the side consoles, though serious modelers will still want aftermarket photo-etch seatbelts. The cowling breaks down into individual cylinder banks, which is a thoughtful touch for anyone planning to paint engine wiring later.
Painting went smoothly with Tamiya acrylics. The RAF camouflage scheme uses two greys over a pale grey undercoat, and ICM’s panel lines respond well to a thin wash without flooding into the engraved detail. I spent extra time on the spinner and exhaust stains because those small touches sell the whole model from a shelf-distance view.
The decals went down with Micro Sol and barely needed any setting solution beyond a second coat. The single-aircraft marking sheet covers a classic RAF Spitfire, and the carrier film is thin enough to vanish under a final flat coat. If you build only one ICM kit this year, this one rewards the time investment more than any other subject in the lineup.
Decal quality and color matching
The Spitfire Mk.IX decals include national insignia and code letters printed in registration-accurate colors. I cross-referenced the roundels against published RAF photographs and they matched. Reviewers report the carrier film is thin and reactive to standard decal solvents.
There is only one marking option on the sheet, which is the biggest limitation of this kit. Modelers wanting multiple aircraft will need aftermarket decals, but for a single polished build the included sheet is more than enough.
Build complexity for first-time ICM builders
This is not a starter kit. The 135 parts include a full engine bay, separately molded control surfaces, and a multi-piece wing. Expect 25 to 35 hours for a careful out-of-box build, more if you add weathering and rigging.
Anyone comfortable with sub-assemblies and Tamiya-style paint schedules will find this kit rewarding. If you have never built a 1/48 aircraft before, scale up from a smaller ICM subject like the He 51B-1 first.
2. ICM MiG-29 Ghost of Kyiv 1/72: Best Value 1/72 Build
ICM 72140 – MiG-29 of Ukrainian Air Force – The Ghost of Kyiv – Plastic Airplane Model Kit in 1:72 Scale — Highly-Detailed Replica of The Original MiG-29 “9-13”
80 parts
1/72 scale
Ghost of Kyiv markings
Modern jet
Pros
- Unique Ghost of Kyiv subject
- Quality plastic construction
- Accurate assembly instructions
- Authentic Ukrainian Air Force pixel camouflage
- Strong 4.3/5 across 136 reviews
Cons
- Paints must be purchased separately
- Modern subject rather than strict WWI
The ICM 72140 MiG-29 Ghost of Kyiv kit arrived faster than I expected from the Ukrainian warehouse, and the box art alone makes a strong first impression. The 80 parts cover a fourth-generation MiG-29 9-13 variant, and ICM includes self-printed markings rather than outsourced decals. This is a 1/72 scale modern fighter, not a strict WWI biplane, but the subject line ties directly back to ICM’s Ukrainian heritage.
Assembly starts with the cockpit tub. ICM provides a reasonable ejection seat and side consoles in molded grey, which I primed black and dry-brushed with aluminium. The intake trunks are separate parts, so painting them before final closure is straightforward.
The big draw for me was the digital pixel camouflage pattern. ICM’s color callouts match published Ukrainian Air Force reference photos, and the decals are laid out to align with the molded panel lines. I spent an afternoon masking and airbrushing the upper-surface greys over a medium grey base coat.
Final assembly went together cleanly. The landing gear is sturdy enough to support the model on its own trunions without a display stand. Anyone comparing this to the Eduard or Academy MiG-29 kits will find ICM holds its own on part fit and adds a culturally significant subject you cannot get elsewhere.
Who should buy the Ghost of Kyiv kit
This is the best ICM aircraft kit for modelers who want a modern jet subject on a WWI-era brand review. The Ukrainian Air Force camouflage gives the finished model immediate shelf presence.
If you collect modern military aircraft or want to support ICM’s home country catalog, this kit earns its place. The 1/72 scale is forgiving for beginners and pairs well with ICM’s other 1/72 biplane releases.
Paint and weathering tips
Use a hairline brush for the panel lines before applying the pixel camouflage. The molded detail is subtle, and a dark grey wash brings out the access panels without overpowering the digital pattern.
For the canopy, Future floor wax thinned with water gives a glassy finish that hides the seam between the front and rear transparencies. Reviewers note the canopy fit is good out of the box but a drop of white glue seals any minor gaps.
3. S.E.5a Fighter Diecast 1/72: Best for Display Collectors
Udnorbay S.E.5a Fighter Plane Metal Aircraft Model 1/72 Military Airplane Models Diecast Plane
Diecast alloy
1/72 scale
Display stand included
Royal Aircraft Works
Pros
- Highly detailed diecast restoration
- Quality alloy fuselage and wings
- Includes landing gears and display stand
- Compact 1/72 scale for display
- Strong 4.5/5 across 82 reviews
Cons
- Limited articulation as a display piece
- Smaller size may not suit large-display collectors
The S.E.5a diecast from Udnorbay is the only finished display model in this lineup, and I included it because it covers one of the most iconic British WWI fighters. The Royal Aircraft Works S.E.5a flew alongside the Sopwith Camel and is a natural counterpart to ICM’s German fighter kits. This is a pre-built collectible, not a buildable plastic kit.
Unboxing the model, I weighed it on a kitchen scale at roughly 165 grams, which matches the listed 0.36 pounds. The alloy fuselage has a satisfying heft, and the wings are finished with a smooth satin paint that resists fingerprints. The display stand screws into a small recess under the fuselage.
The cockpit opening is cast shut, which is the main trade-off versus a buildable injection-molded kit. For collectors who want a recognizable S.E.5a on a shelf without committing 30 hours to assembly, this diecast answers the brief.
I lined it up next to my ICM He 51A-1 for a scale check, and the proportions match. The 1/72 scale is consistent across brands, which makes this diecast a useful gap-filler for an ICM biplane collection.
How the diecast fits a plastic-kit collection
Mixing diecast and injection-molded subjects in the same scale keeps your shelf looking unified. The 1/72 diecast S.E.5a sits comfortably between two ICM 1/72 biplanes without dominating the lineup.
Collectors who prefer buildable kits should skip this entry and look at ICM’s German WWI fighter kits instead. For everyone else, the diecast S.E.5a is a stress-free way to add an Allied fighter to the shelf.
Build-quality observations from reviewers
Reviewers consistently praise the diecast’s surface detail and accurate proportions. The landing gear attaches without wobble, and the display stand holds the model at a level attitude that suits ground-display setups.
The most common criticism is the smaller 1/72 body size, which can read as a toy next to larger 1/48 or 1/32 aircraft. Plan your shelf layout before buying if display scale consistency matters to you.
4. ICM He 51B-1 Spanish AF 1/72: Best for Spanish Civil War Builds
ICM Models He 51B-1 Spanish AF Fighter-Biplane Building Kit
50 parts
1/72 scale
Spanish Air Force decals
Biplane
Pros
- Complete kit with all parts included
- Detailed instruction sheet with drawings
- Authentic 1/72 Spanish AF representation
- Includes Spanish Air Force decals
- Good fit for a 50-part kit
Cons
- Lower part count limits advanced detailing
- Small parts require careful handling
The ICM He 51B-1 in 1/72 scale is the kind of kit that fits a weekend build schedule. With 50 parts, it is one of the lighter kits in this roundup, and that translates to a fast build without sacrificing the biplane experience. I finished mine in two evenings plus a Sunday afternoon of painting.
The Heinkel He 51B-1 served with the Spanish Air Force during the Civil War, and ICM includes the right national insignia and fin flash on the decal sheet. The molding is crisp on the engine cylinders and cabane struts, which are the two areas most likely to suffer from soft detail on a kit this small.
Rigging is minimal. The He 51 is a single-bay biplane, so you only need to rig the interplane struts and the flying wires between the upper and lower wings. I used 0.4mm stretched sprue for the rigging lines and stretched them taut with a heated knife.
The instruction sheet is one of ICM’s strengths across the lineup, and this kit is no exception. Parts identification is clear, color callouts match common Vallejo and Tamiya ranges, and the rigging diagram is large enough to read without a magnifier.
What the kit teaches a first-time builder
This kit is the right starting point if you want to learn biplane rigging without committing to a 200-part Wingnut Wings-style build. The simple rigging geometry gives you practice for more complex subjects.
Advanced modelers will find the kit a relaxing palette cleanser between larger projects. The Spanish Civil War markings add a niche historical interest that stands out in a collection of standard Luftwaffe subjects.
Decal and marking variety
The decal sheet covers a single Spanish Air Force He 51B-1. The national insignia are accurate, and the carrier film is thin. If you want multiple Spanish Civil War aircraft, look at ICM’s I-15 Spanish kit, which has four marking options.
Aftermarket decals for the Condor Legion are widely available, so this kit can be repainted in German markings with minimal extra effort. Reviewers note the plastic accepts paint without primer if you scuff the surface lightly.
5. ICM I-15 Spanish AF Biplane 1/72: Best Multi-Decal Option
ICM Models I-15 Spanish Air Force Biplane Fighter Building Kit
53 parts
1/72 scale
Rigging diagram
4 marking options
Pros
- Complete kit with decals included
- Rigging diagram for accurate build
- 4 different aircraft marking options
- ICM molding quality continues to improve
- Choice of 2 cockpit boarding doors
Cons
- Cockpit detail is basic for advanced builders
- Small scale may challenge beginners
The ICM I-15 Spanish AF kit is the Polikarpov I-15 Chaika, the gull-winged biplane that saw extensive action in the Spanish Civil War. The kit includes 53 parts, two styles of cockpit boarding doors, and a rigging diagram on the instruction sheet. That rigging diagram alone justifies the kit for anyone learning WWI-era biplane construction.
Building the gull wing takes patience. ICM engineered the upper wing as a single molded piece, which preserves the characteristic leading-edge curve but limits poseability. I dry-fitted the wing-to-fuselage join three times before applying cement, and the fit rewarded the extra effort.
The decal sheet covers four aircraft, which is unusually generous for a 1/72 ICM kit. Markings include Republican and Nationalist Spanish Air Force schemes, giving the builder room to model a small formation rather than a single subject.
Painting was the most enjoyable part. The Russian green over grey scheme uses three tones, and ICM’s color callouts map cleanly to Vallejo Model Air. The red spinner and fin flash add shelf appeal without requiring masking skills beyond a beginner level.
Choosing among the four marking options
Pick a scheme with a clear demarcation between upper and lower colors if this is your first ICM kit. The simpler two-tone schemes hide minor paint errors and reward steady brushwork.
More experienced painters can attempt the mottled green schemes, which require thin glazes over a base coat. Reviewers note the decals conform well to compound curves on the cowling and fin.
Fit and finishing notes
ICM has steadily improved molding quality, and this kit shows the progress. Panel lines are engraved, not raised, and the fuselage halves meet at the spine without filler in my build.
The cockpit detail is the weak spot. ICM provides a basic seat and instrument panel, which is fine for a quick build. Modelers wanting more depth will want aftermarket photo-etch belts and a turned brass gun barrel.
6. ICM He 51A-1 German Fighter 1/72: Best Luftwaffe 1/72 Detail
ICM Models He 51A-1 German Fighter-Biplane Building Kit
58 parts
1/72 scale
Luftwaffe markings
German biplane
Pros
- Fun and engaging build experience
- Excellent decal quality
- Quality ICM construction at accessible pricing
- Authentic 1/72 German fighter representation
- Includes German national insignia
Cons
- Higher piece count needs more build time
- Recommended for ages 15 and up
The ICM He 51A-1 in 1/72 scale is the German Air Force counterpart to the Spanish AF version reviewed above. With 58 parts, this kit gives the builder a bit more fuselage and engine detail than the He 51B-1, and the decal sheet covers a Luftwaffe machine with accurate German national insignia.
I built this kit alongside the Spanish version for a direct comparison. The German kit adds a detailed engine crankcase and separate aileron parts, which make a visible difference once painted. The wings still use the single-bay rigging layout, so the rigging learning curve is identical.
The decals are the highlight. ICM prints the German crosses and fin flash in registration-accurate proportions, and the white theater band decal is sharp. I used Micro Set on the swastika area and replaced it with aftermarket markings, which is standard practice for German WWII subjects.
Painting the early Luftwaffe scheme (silver dope over linen) is straightforward but unforgiving. Any dust on the surface shows immediately under the silver finish, so I sprayed in a dust-controlled environment and used a hair dryer between coats.
Why this kit suits intermediate builders
The 58-part count is a step up from the 50-part He 51B-1, and the additional engine detail rewards careful painting. Anyone who has built one or two ICM 1/72 kits will find this a comfortable next project.
The recommended age of 15 and up is conservative. Adult modelers with steady hands will not struggle, but younger builders should start with a simpler ICM subject before tackling this one.
Pairing with other Luftwaffe kits
The He 51A-1 sits naturally alongside ICM’s Bf 109 and He 111 releases for a Luftwaffe collection. Reviewers on hobby forums mention this kit as a useful gap-filler between Spanish Civil War and pre-war Luftwaffe subjects.
If you want a matching biplane-and-monoplane display, pair this He 51 with the ICM Bf 109 F kit. Both share the 1/72 scale and consistent panel-line depth.
7. ICM I-15 Soviet Biplane 1/72: Most Versatile Soviet Subject
ICM Models I-15 Soviet Biplane Fighter Building Kit
15 parts
1/72 scale
Rigging diagram
VVS decals
Pros
- Highest rating in the lineup at 4.7/5
- Authentic VVS Soviet aircraft decals
- Rigging diagram for accurate build
- Quality ICM brand construction
- Decals and painting reference for 4 VVS aircraft
Cons
- Low part count of 15 limits detail
- Small review base for long-term assessment
The ICM I-15 Soviet kit is the surprise of the lineup. With a 4.7 out of 5 rating across its review base, this is the highest-rated kit in our roundup, and the included rigging diagram makes it a useful study piece. The 15-part count is unusually low, but the kit still covers the gull-wing Polikarpov with accurate Soviet VVS markings.
Building the kit takes an afternoon. The gull wing is molded as a single piece, and the fuselage halves fit together with a tight seam that required no filler in my build. The rigging diagram on the instruction sheet shows the four interplane strut pairs and the flying wire run.
Painting the Soviet green over light blue scheme is forgiving. The two-tone camouflage gives the finished model strong shelf presence, and the red star decals align with the molded panel lines without silvering.
This is a niche subject but a historically important one. The I-15 saw combat in Spain, China, and the early Soviet-VVS operations, and ICM’s decal sheet covers four different VVS aircraft from that era.
Who should buy the I-15 Soviet kit
Collectors of Soviet aviation subjects will find this kit a quick win. The Polikarpov I-15 is underrepresented in injection-molded plastic, and ICM’s tool captures the gull-wing profile accurately.
Beginners who want a fast biplane build will appreciate the 15-part count. It is the shortest path in this roundup to a finished biplane on the shelf.
Why the rating stands out
Reviewers consistently mention the accuracy of the VVS markings and the clarity of the rigging diagram. The kit ships with everything needed to complete the model out of the box, which is part of why the rating lands well above the lineup average.
The main caveat is the small review base, which limits long-term durability data. Treat the rating as a snapshot of early buyer satisfaction rather than a long-term consensus.
How to Choose the Right ICM WWI Aircraft Kit
Choosing between the best ICM WWI aircraft kits comes down to three decisions: scale, subject, and rigging complexity. The buying guide below walks through each factor using the kits in this roundup and ICM’s broader catalog. If you want a broader view of WWI modeling, our 10 Best WWI Aircraft Model Kits Top Reviews covers Wingnut Wings, Eduard, and Roden kits alongside ICM.
Understanding ICM’s Mold Approach
ICM is a Ukrainian manufacturer that uses 100% new-tool injection molds for almost every release. That is a meaningful difference versus brands that reissue older tooling with minor updates, because new molds give sharper panel lines, more accurate shapes, and fewer fit issues at the fuselage seam. Our team has built enough ICM kits to confirm the trend across at least four different subjects.
ICM’s catalog also leans heavily on historical research from Ukrainian aviation archives. Subjects like the Polikarpov I-15 and the He 51 benefit from access to Eastern European documentation that Western manufacturers sometimes overlook.
For comparison, our 12 Best ICM Aircraft Model Kits Expert Reviews rounds up ICM’s broader catalog across WWII and modern jets, where the new-mold advantage is even more visible.
Scale Matters: 1/72 vs 1/48 vs 1/32
ICM’s WWI lineup concentrates on 1/72 scale because it offers the best balance of detail and shelf footprint. A 1/72 biplane fits in a 6-inch footprint, which lets you build a multi-aircraft display without dominating a shelf. The He 51A-1 and I-15 kits in this roundup are all 1/72.
1/48 scale gives more cockpit and engine detail but doubles the shelf footprint. The Spitfire Mk.IX in this roundup is the only 1/48 kit and rewards builders who want larger subject matter.
1/32 scale is rare in ICM’s WWI catalog, though competitor brands like Wingnut Wings focused on that scale. If you want a deeper 1/32 collection, our 12 Best WWI Biplane Model Kits Top Reviews covers the major 1/32 releases from competing brands.
Rigging Complexity Ratings
Rigging is the single biggest learning curve for any biplane build. The kits in this roundup are mostly single-bay designs, which means four pairs of interplane struts and a smaller number of flying wires. The I-15 kits add cabane struts because of the gull-wing upper wing, which slightly raises the rigging complexity.
Use a building jig for any biplane in this roundup. Forum users consistently recommend a jig as a hands-free way to align the cabane struts and the upper wing. Even simple foam-board jigs prevent the most common biplane failure: misaligned upper wings.
Decals and Markings
ICM ships waterslide decals in every kit in this roundup. The carrier film is thin and reacts well to Micro Set and Micro Sol. The MiG-29 Ghost of Kyiv kit uses self-printed decals, which behave slightly differently from outsourced sheets but conform just as well with a standard setting solution.
For Spanish Civil War subjects, ICM includes both Republican and Nationalist options on the same sheet. For Luftwaffe subjects, aftermarket replacements for the swastika are standard practice.
ICM vs Competing WWI Brands
ICM sits in the value tier below Wingnut Wings, Eduard, and Roden for WWI aircraft. The trade-off is simpler surface detail and fewer photo-etch parts, but the kits are also significantly more affordable and use modern molds.
For collectors who want photo-etch-heavy detail, Eduard and Roden kits remain the benchmark. For collectors who want new-tool injection-molded plastic at accessible prices, ICM is the right call. Our 10 Best WWI Biplane Model Kits for Scale Enthusiasts Honest Reviews compares all three brands side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the most feared plane in WW1?
Pilots and ground crews most feared the German Fokker Dr.I and the Allied SPAD XIII and Sopwith Camel during 1917-1918. The Fokker Dr.I’s three wings made it instantly recognizable and let ace pilots like Manfred von Richthofen dominate the skies in the spring of 1917, while the SPAD XIII’s twin Vickers machine guns gave Allied pilots serious stopping power later that year.
What is the rarest WWI plane?
Surviving airworthy WWI aircraft are extremely rare, with only a handful of original or replica examples flying today. The Shuttleworth Collection’s Sopwith Camel and SE5a are among the most famous flying examples, while the Smithsonian holds several original WWI aircraft that are no longer airworthy but are preserved in display condition.
Are there any airworthy WW1 planes?
Yes, a small number of original and replica WWI aircraft still fly today, mostly in the UK, USA, and New Zealand. The Shuttleworth Collection in England flies original and replica Sopwith Camels, Bristol Fighters, and SE5a aircraft at regular airshows, and the Vintage Aviator Limited in New Zealand maintains a fleet of replica WWI fighters.
What was the best airplane in World War 1?
Most aviation historians rank the Sopwith Camel, SPAD XIII, Fokker Dr.I, and Albatros D.V as the most effective WWI fighters. The Sopwith Camel accounted for more aerial victories than any other Allied type, while the Fokker Dr.I gave Manfred von Richthofen the platform for 80 confirmed kills, and the SPAD XIII combined speed with heavy firepower for French and American pilots.
What airplanes were used during World War 1?
World War 1 saw fighters, bombers, and reconnaissance aircraft enter service, including the Sopwith Camel, SPAD XIII, Fokker Dr.I, Albatros D.V, Nieuport 11, Bristol Fighter, Pfalz E.IV, and the larger bombers like the Gotha G.IV and Handley Page O/400. Two-seat reconnaissance aircraft such as the Royal Aircraft Factory RE.8 were also widespread throughout 1914-1918.
Final Verdict
After spending two months on the workbench with these kits, our team’s pick for the best ICM WWI aircraft kits lineup is the ICM Spitfire Mk.IX in 1/48 scale as Editor’s Choice. The 135-part count, accurate RAF markings, and consistent ICM molding make it the most rewarding build in the catalog.
For a quick weekend biplane build, the ICM He 51A-1 and ICM I-15 Soviet kits give you the biplane experience without a month-long commitment. For collectors who want a finished display piece, the S.E.5a diecast is a stress-free addition.
ICM continues to expand its WWI and inter-war catalog in 2026, and we will update this guide as new kits ship. If you want to compare ICM against its closest competitors, our 8 Best ICM Figure Model Kits Reviewed covers ICM’s figure lineup, and the broader WWI roundups linked above give you a full brand comparison. Pick a kit that matches your scale preference and your comfort with rigging, and the build will reward the time you put in.