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US Navy and Air Force GBU-38 Bombs Videoaviation 1:32 A very welcome pair of releases from Videoaviation arrived at BM Londons offices the other day. Two sets of GBU-38 JDAM bombs in 1:32 scale, one of US Navy style and one US Air Force style. Each set is very well protected, being contained in a clear plastic box, within a zip lock bag wrapped in bubblewrap. Although the bomb lugs need a bit more as a couple in the review sample were broken. Each box contains eight complete bombs, and come in these separate parts. Bomb Casing Tail Lugs GPS Antenna Protective caps Decals Whilst the tails, lugs, caps are the same for each type, the USN bomb casing is a much rougher casting allowing for the ablative coating used on Navy bombs. It is details like this that make Videoavition products to be some of the best in the business. Naturally, the USAF bomb casing is nice and smooth. The extreme nose sections are also slightly different between versions, with the USAF version being a more pointed affair than the USN type. The builds are pretty straightforward, as once the parts have been carefully cut away from the moulding blocks they will only need a swipe with a sanding sponge before the tail is attached to the casing, followed by the lugs and the tail mounted GPS aerial. If the protective caps are to be used, then the nose of each bomb needs to be used before the cap can be fitted. Each type comes with its own distinct style of markings contained on a nicely printed decal sheet. Conclusion These two sets make very nice additions to the Videoaviation product range and will add something special to a completed model. With the well moulded, flawless resin, it should go together fairly easily. Once built and painted they will look great, although it would have been nice if some remove before flight flags had been provided too. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

US Navy MHU-191/M Munitions Transporter 1:32 VideoAviation The MHU-191/M is a bomb trolley used by the US Navy to transport two GBU-38 JDAMs from arsenal to the aircraft that are intending to use them. This kit is available in 1:32 at present, but I'm hopeful it will find its way to 1:48 in due course. Included in the white card box are three bags of resin and another containing a small decal sheet (not pictured). The bomb truck is built up from flesh coloured resin and should include two sets of wheels. My review sample however has a pair missing, so please check your package before stashing it. The lower bomb is cradled on a curved bracket, with a similar one completing the oval and permitting another to sit on top. Each part has rollers placed in recesses that support the bombs and stop them from rolling sideways, which would be no fun for anyone. The two cradles attach to the ladder chassis, and an L-shaped pull handle is attached to the front of the chassis. A bumper sits at the end of the handle, and two grab-handles and a brake lever form a T with the upright portion. A pair of figures are included with the set, and it's surprising how large they look compared to the more familiar (to me) 1:35. They are very well sculpted and have separate arms, all of which is in the same creamy flesh coloured resin. One is pulling, while the other pushes the trolley, and the instructions show them painted red, presumably for danger! Happily you also get a pair of bombs to fill your trolley, which some producers might not have included. They are nicely detailed and the dangerous part is covered with the rough ablative coating used on carriers that slows down the cook-off rate of the warheads in the event of a fire. The bombs have separate tail sections, GPS Antennae, and if you elect to use them, a DSU-33 Radar proximity sensor, which requires you to slice off the very tip of the nose. A separate diagram covers the painting of the bombs, and shows where the rings that show live (Yellow) or training (blue) round should go. The small decal sheet is designed for the trolley, and adds a large number of yellow markings that are dotted around the frame, as well as the serial number and some data plates on the handle. The trolley is painted gloss white with black handles, with orange or yellow rollers, but would undoubtedly become quite worn very quickly. Plenty of scope for weathering there! Conclusion A cool addition to any deck-side diorama, or just to have next to your 1:32 USN aircraft in the cabinet. You get a lot for your money, and hopefully yours will have all four wheels! Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of