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Houchin 25Kva Ground Power Unit 1:72 & 1:48 VideoAviation To a great many modellers the mentioning of the name of this essential piece of kit might still garner a response such as "A what now?", but without these unassuming boxes providing an aircraft on the ground with power, technicians and crews couldn't work on the systems without lighting up the engines so that the aircraft could have electrical power. Whenever an aircraft was preparing for flight, or engaging in maintenance, there would always be one of these nearby chugging away and generating the power needed to run the systems. This particular unit was used at the height of the Cold War to power the Lightning, Hunter, Phantom, Buccaneer, Harrier, Jaguar and Sea King to name a few, supplying them with 28v DC and 200v AC on two separate connections. It lapsed into obsolescence which the introduction of the Tornado which needed more power for its advanced systems, and retirement of the older aircraft from the RAF's fleet. The resin set is available in both scales, both of which arrive in almost identical clamshell boxes, with the light tan-coloured parts in ziplok bags swaddled in bubble wrap. Under the card insert is the instruction sheet, which details construction in an isometric format. The smaller set forgoes the opening stowage panniers, the small Photo-Etch (PE) sheet, and the hoses that can be stored inside. 1:48 Houchin 25Kva GPU (160948) This set includes sixteen resin parts, a small fret of PE and two gauges of flexible black tubing, plus a small sheet of decals with yellow stripes and data plate. Construction is simple, with the main body attaching to the chassis, and the four wheels on two axles, one of which is fixed, the other on a turntable for towing behind a suitable ground vehicle. The opening lids of the boxes are separate, as are the hubs of the wheels, and the PE is used for door latches, brackets and a towing eye on the rear of the body. The instructions providing painting guide to the details, and advise yellow or green for the body, depending on whether you are modelling an early or late device respectively. 1:72 Houchin 25Kva GPU (161272) Assembling in the same manner as the larger version, this set has only ten resin parts, as the storage panniers are moulded closed, and the hubs moulded into the wheels. At this scale the parts made from PE would have been too small to handle, so these have been moulded-in for ease. The decal sheet and colour call-outs are identical except for their size of course. Conclusion A great addition to any ground-handling diorama that won't tax your skills to complete. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Thanks onosendai! Videoaviation (http://www.videoaviation.com/) has released 1/72nd & 1/48th Schopf F59 modern RAF/Royal NAVY tractor resin kits. 1/48: http://www.videoaviation.com/ground-support/148-modern-rafr-n-tractor/ 1/72: http://www.videoaviation.com/ground-support/172-modern-rafr-n-tractor/ http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235019686-172-modern-rafrnavy-tractor/ V.P.

US MD3 Generator Videoaviation 1:32 The latest 1:32 release from Videoaviation is of a MD3 Generator set. The set comes in a sturdy cardboard box with a picture of the unit on top. Inside there is quite a lot of cream coloured resin contained in either bubblewrap or ziplock bags. The mouldings are very nicely produced with very little flash and minimal webbing/attachments connecting the parts to the moulding blocks. There are twenty one parts all told, not including all the pipework which is included as uncut lengths. Construction begins with the fitting of the leaf spring suspension units to the rear of the generator body, followed by the two, two piece rear wheels. The front axle mount and fuel tank are then added, after which the front pair of two piece wheels are fitted to the axle and the whole assembly fitted into the mount hole. The towing arm can be posed in either folded or extended position. The different length cables are each fitted with plugs, before being coiled up and placed on the roof. Of course, you can also use the cables in a diorama setting attached to your particular aircraft. Decals are included for all the stencils and warning signs/markings for the unit, including the white edge markings. The modeller can paint this unit in two different colours depending on where they’re used, Yellow, or Green overall. Conclusion This is another great little kit from Videoaviation. Not too difficult to build, but could be fun to weather it a bit, not too much mind, and will make a super addition to any diorama next to and possibly attached to a suitable aircraft. Review sample courtesy of

SUU-20 Bomb Dispenser Videoaviation 1:32 The latest release from Videoaviation.com is this, well, what I can only call it a model for that is what is in its own right, of a SUU-20 Bomb Dispenser. Inside the sturdy acetate blister pack are twenty eight parts in the standard creamy beige resin and the instruction sheet. The resin is beautifully rendered, with no signs of bubbles or other flaws. The casting blocks don’t look to difficult to remove, but it will take a razor saw to do the best job on the larger parts. The kit includes the following resin parts:- Main bomb container Nose cone 12 crutches although only 6 required 6 BDU-33 practice bombs with 2 spares 6 attachment lugs for the container with only 2 required The details on the main container are very finely done with recessed panel lines and screw heads and the resin is wonderfully smooth. Construction is easy once the parts have been removed from the moulding blocks and cleaned up. The nose is fitted to the central container part followed by the 6 crutches, 2 attachment lugs and the six practice bombs. The colour scheme is white overall with metal or dark grey rocket tubes. The practice bombs are blue and just need the addition of RBF flags, (not provided) to complete the look. The instructions are very clear and easy to read, but it would have been nice it parts were actually named as well as numbered. Conclusion This is a very nice addition to the Videoaviation product range and will add something different to a completed model. With the well moulded, flawless resin it should go together fairly easily. All the modeller has to do is check their references and see if the model they are building needs one or two SUU-20s. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

USAF Crewchief Videoaviation 1:32 The latest release from Videoaviation.com is this figure of an USAF Crew chief. The figure is manufactured in the standard creamy beige resin which is really well moulded and detailed. [186532] USAF Crew Chief – This set contains just the one figure, with a single piece body standing, and separate arms and head. The figure is in a marshalling pose with hands clenched which indicates brakes on. Conclusion Videoaviation continue to release great sets to add life to your large scale dioramas, and this one is up to the usual standard. Just needs careful painting. Review sample courtesy of

US Groundcrew and Bombs Videoaviation 1:32 The latest releases from Videoaviation.com are these sets of figures and equipment. Two sets are of US Navy, one with figures/equipment and one set of bombs, and two are of USAF, both figures/equipment. The sets are manufactured in the standard creamy beige resin which is really well moulded and detailed. [175632] USAF Crew Chief Vietnam – This set contains two figures, one kneeling, one standing, both with separate arms. The set also includes a five piece flight line extinguisher. [175732] US Navy MHU-191 Missile Transporter – Although mentioning the Missile Transporter in the set description, this set also come with two deck crew. The transporter itself comes in eleven parts and a small decal sheet, and looks like it will be a great looking kit in its own right in a diorama, even without missiles, which the modeller will have to source. Both crew members are standing, one with both arms and the head separate, the other one separate arm, the head and a tool pouch. [175832] US Navy Mk83/BLU-110 – This set of bombs, each fitted with the conical tail unit. Produced in the standard cream resin the eight bombs come with a variety of nose caps, dependent on whether a nose or tail fuse is fitted. The bomb lugs are also separate, and have been packaged very well so there is little chance of them breaking in transit. As with previous sets the bombs are made up from two sections, the bomb unit and the tail unit, which, once removed from the moulding plug and cleaned up are simply glued together. [175932] USAF Crew Chief in Cold Weather Dress – The final set contains a single figure of the crew chief which has separate arms and speed brace. The set also includes a two piece step ladder and a resin toolbox. Unfortunately each of the sets the instructions don’t come with colour photographs of the crewmen and equipment, but show the completed items and the callouts are written down with pointers to the appropriate items of clothing and equipment parts. Conclusion Videoaviation continue to release great sets to add life to your large scale dioramas, are superb. The added equipment will be especially useful, just add missile to the stand and the bombs can also be fitted to a trolley, (available separately) to give that extra bit of realism. Review sample courtesy of

Modern RAF/RN Tractor 1:72 Eduard Although it doesn't say it on the box, this kit depicts the Schopf F59 aircraft tow tractor. Schopf is a German company, formed in the late 1940s to produce vehicles for the mining industry. They soon branched out into the aviation industry, and is now a leading producer of tow tractors, loading vehicles and stair lifts. The F59 is a four-wheel drive tractor designed to for towing for civil and military aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 70 tons. This is another resin kit from VideoAviation, an Italian firm who specialise in military aviation ground equipment for use in dioramas. I believe they started out producing 1:48 scale kits, but happily they have now decided to do the decent thing and scale down many of their subjects to the gentleman's scale. The kit arrives in a small, sturdy white box with a picture of the kit on the top. Inside there are 23 resin parts 27 photo etched parts, decals, pre-cut transparent parts and some plastic rod. This is the second Videoaviation that I've received for review, and very impressive it is too. The resin parts have been beautifully produced. Casting is extremely crisp and sharp and I couldn't find any bubbles anywhere. The casting blocks have been thoughtfully placed, so clean-up shouldn't be too onerous. The usual warnings about resin dust apply when preparing the parts ready for assembly, and I would recommend giving the parts a good clean in warm soapy water to remove any residual mould release agent. Construction should be fairly straightforward as the chassis and cab are cast in one piece. To this platform, details such as the steering wheel, seat backs and roof have to be added. The towing equipment is supplied for fitting to the rear of the tractor, while small details are covered by resin (lights) or photo etched (windscreen wipers, door mirrors) parts. I'm not usually a massive fan of plastic sheet for glazing (mainly due to my own limitations as a modeller, I admit) but the pre-cut versions supplied with this kit look to be much easier to use. The towing bar is a mini kit in itself. The bar is cast as a single, solid part to which the u-shaped axle, wheels and the towing linkage are added. The latter is a three-prong fitting with photo etched parts and a piece of the supplied styrene rod required to finish it off. The instructions tell you to paint the vehicle and the towbar in overall yellow (Humbrol 99). Decals are provided for RAF and Royal Navy versions. Conclusion This is a cracking little model that shouldn't take too long to build and paint, but which will add real interest and depth to a diorama. You could even use it for a civilian diorama, should you have access to an appropriate kit in that scale. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Last Videoaviation kit is a resin 1/32nd Clarktor towing tractor Source: http://www.videoaviation.com/ground-support/132-clarktor-towing-tractor/ Instructions: http://www.videoaviation.com/?wpdmact=process&did=MzQuaG90bGluaw== V.P.

BLU-27 Fire Bombs Videoaviation 1:32 The BLU-27 is a thin-skinned napalm filled fire-producing bomb. They are designed to spread burning napalm over a target area. These firebombs are capable of forcible ejection from high-speed aircraft flying at low levels. The bombs may be unpainted or olive drab with two 76mm (3.00 inch) wide red bands (one each end) painted around the bomb approximately 559mm (22.00 inches) from each end. The number of filler caps and their locations may vary according to manufacturer. The BLU-27 series firebombs contain either one or two filler caps. The bombs have optional fin assemblies of slightly varying sizes and of either welded or bolted construction. The configuration of all the fin assemblies is the same. All seams on the BLU-27 series bombs are welded. The bombs, including all internal supports, are aluminium. Continuing the growth in their 1:32 range of bombs, Videoaviation have released this set of BLU-27 Fire Bombs with fins. Produced in the standard cream resin the two bombs come with separate nose cone and tail section and tail cone. These are glued to the main body section which you could use the completed shape by itself, or with the included etched brass fins and PE box shaped fin section, which is attached to the tail cone. Once painted the decals which consist of a data plate and an arrow with the word FWD on it, are applied. Conclusion Used on most USAF aircraft during the Vietnam war of which there are quite a few now released in this scale these tailed BLU’s will certainly add a slightly different dimension to your model. Review sample courtesy of

US Navy Deck Crew Videoaviation 1:32 [165032] the latest release from Videoaviation.com is this set of a USN Deck Crew, a set of five figures for your big dioramas. Two of the set have been previously released, namely the crewmember with chocks and the one with holdbacks. The other three crewmembers, two shooters as a fly operator are all new moulds. The set is manufactured in the standard creamy beige resin which is really well moulded and detailed. Crewman with holdbacks - The crewman’s body, head and legs are moulded as one part, with the arms moulded separately. The holdbacks, of which there are six in the box, are moulded on separate blocks, but only by a couple of points , so should be too difficult to remove without breaking them. They can be attached to the crewman’s hands or if you are doing a launch diorama can be fitted between the deck and the aircraft. Deck Crewman with associated chocks - The crewman body, head and legs are moulded as one part, with the arms moulded separately. The chocks are in five parts, two parts for each chock and the fifth for the bar. Shooters – A mostly a single piece figure kneeling on one knee with a separate arm, one shooter pointing, the other with his thumb up. The Fly Director – This is another single piece figure with a separate arm outstretched. Unfortunately the instructions don’t come with colour photographs of the crewmen showing the standard flightdeck uniforms. Instead the call-outs are written down with pointers to the appropriate items. Conclusion This is another very useful set for those modellers who like to build dioramas/vignettes with their large scale models. This set is certainly the one to get even if you have bought the previous figures. Review sample courtesy of

British and US Bombs Videoaviation 1:32 This month we have received three sets of bombs from Videoaviation, one set of British BL755 cluster bombs and two US types, the M-117 General Purpose bombs and the Mk20 Rockeye. Each set is moulded in a cream beige resin which produces some very fine detail which is protected by the reasonably sturdy bubble boxes filled with bubble wrap. Yet even with the protection there are a number of parts that have broken in transit, namely the suspension lugs, which shouldn’t cause too much of a problem when the bombs are fitted to a model. BL-755 Cluster Bomb set (153232) This set contains two bombs, each moulded in two sections, the main bomb casing and the tail section. In addition there are the distinctive arming vanes for the nose and the two support lugs. The lugs and arming vanes will probably be the most awkward parts to remove from their moulding blocks, but care and a new scalpel blade should take care of them. The casing and tail blocks are easier to remove, and with a few swipes of a sanding stick should be ready to join together. The set comes with a decal sheet containing the stencils normally found on the weapons. The instruction leaflet informs the modeller of the colours required, but there isn’t any colour picture, so some research will be required to find the correct colours. The sheet also includes four remove before flight flags to add extra interest to your completed model. M-117 GP Bomb set (16932) This set contains six complete bombs, again split in two with the bomb casing and tail sections separate. Each bomb is also provided with the nose mounted arming device and two bomb lugs. Once again the lugs will need careful removal from the moulding blocks, but the arming devices are much easier, as with the casings and tails. Once removed there shouldn’t be too much cleaning up required before the parts can be assembled. The small decal sheet only carries one stencil per bomb, although there are eight stencils on the sheet and only six bombs. Mk-20 Rockeye (USN & USAF) (164032) As with the other two sets, the bomb itself is separated at the tail and comes with separate nose caps and bomb lugs. Assembly is the same as the M-117 and once complete will look great fitted to all manner of US aircraft. The decal sheet for this set is quite a bit large and contains a full set of stencils for each bomb, along with two types of nose stripes, one for USAF service and one for USN/ US Marine service. Conclusion It’s great to see the BL-755 being released as I don’t think there has been another release in this scale. As is usual with Videoaviation the details and moulding quality is superb and the decals are very useful. They will make a great addition to any model. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

US A/M32A-60 Generator Videoaviation 1:32 The latest 1:32 release from Videoaviation is of a A/M32A-60 Generator set. The set comes in a sturdy cardboard box with a picture of the unit in side view. Inside there is quite a lot of cream coloured resin contained in either bubblewrap or ziplock bags. The mouldings are very nicely produced with very little flash and minimal webbing/attachments connecting the parts to the moulding blocks. There are twenty two parts all told, not including all the pipework which is included as uncut lengths. Construction begins with the fitting of the upper body to the lower bed. The two separate axles are fitted to the pre-moulded leaf spring suspension mounts; the front axle also has the towing beam attachment point fitted. The four wheels, which consist of separate tyres and hubs, to aid painting, are then attached, along with the rear bumper bar, optionally posed side door. The towing arm can be posed in either folded or extended position, and there are four hose storage supports and the hose pipe fitted to the roof. The different sized cables are each fitted with plugs, before being coiled up and placed in the brackets on the roof. The air pipe is also coiled up, with one end glued to the outlet pipe, and then also mounted on the roof. Of course, you can also use the cables and air pipe in a diorama setting attached to your particular aircraft. Decals are included for all the stencils and warning signs/markings for the unit, unfortunately none are provided for the gauges. The modeller can paint this unit in three different colours depending on where they’re used, Yellow, Green or Grey. Conclusion This is another great little kit from Videoaviation. Not too difficult to build, but could be fun to weather it a bit, not too much mind, and will make a super addition to any diorama next to and possibly attached to a suitable aircraft. Review sample courtesy of

CBU 104/104/105 WCMD Bombs Videoaviation 1:32 The latest set of resin bombs recently arrived at BM’s offices, and as usual they are very nice. These are the “smart” cluster bombs, or as they are known now, the Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser. The blister pack, contains four bombs, each with the following parts Bomb Casing Tail Lugs Decals The casting, in a beige resin, is beautifully done, with some nice moulded details on both the casing and the tails. Building is just a matter of cutting the parts off their moulding blocks and gluing the tail to the casing, and then carefully removing the individual bomb lugs form their block and attaching them to their respective positions. The lugs are very fragile, so you will need the sharpest of scalpels to remove them without breaking, oh, and take your time. The decal sheets, for there are two small ones; provide the yellow stripe and information placards for each bomb. Also included is a pair of remove before flight flags per sheet, one for each bomb. Conclusion This is another very nicely done and useful set for anyone who would like to arm their big F-15E’s. Although to fully arm one of these you will need to buy more than one set. Review sample courtesy of

US Navy Deck Crewman With Holdbacks Videoaviation 1:32 [164332] The latest release from Videoaviation.com is this set of a USN Deck Crewman with associated holdbacks, not to be confused with a previously released set HERE, which, admittedly is rather similar. The set is manufactured in a creamy beige resin which is really well moulded and detailed. Whilst it only contains one figure, the additional holdbacks can be used separately if required and the crewman used in a different role. The crewman body, head and legs are moulded as one part, with the arms moulded separately. The holdbacks, of which there are six in the box, are moulded on separate blocks, but only by a couple of points , so should be too difficult to remove without breaking them. They can be attached to the crewman’s hands or if you are doing a launch diorama can be fitted between the deck and the aircraft. The instructions come complete with colour photographs of crewmen on a flightdeck, showing the colours of the uniform generally used by the USN. Conclusion This is another very useful set for those modellers who like to build dioramas/vignettes with their large scale models. If used with the other crew sets it will help bring to life whatever story the modeller is trying to tell. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

The A/M32A-60 Generator Set, commonly called the "dash 60 start cart," is a trailer-mounted power unit capable of providing AC and DC power for aircraft electrical systems as well as high volume air for starting aircraft engines. The U.S. Air Force and other branches of the military, as well as many allied nations around the world, used thousands of these units in several variants over the years. Many are still in use today. The McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II was one of the aircraft for which the unit was designed but but virtually every military NATO aircraft can be associated with this generator. 25 resin parts, decals sheet for three different versions, electrical cables & air hose. Price 28,00 EU.

Mk82 Air BSU 49/B Videoaviation 1:32 Continuing the growth in their 1:32 range of bombs, Videoaviation have released this set of Mk82 500lb bombs, this time fitted with the BSU 49/B high drag tail unit. Produced in the standard cream resin the eight bombs come with a variety of nose caps, dependent on whether a nose or tail fuse is fitted. As with previous sets the bombs are made up from two sections, the bomb unit and the tail unit, which, once removed from the moulding plug and cleaned up are simply glued together. The bomb lugs are also separate items, and quite fragile, so great care will be needed to remove them from the moulding blocks. Whilst the bombs as released are for use with USAF aircraft, the modeller can, should they desire, simulate the thermal protection used on USN bombs and use them with any modern naval aircraft. The decals supplied provide the stencils found on these bombs, along with eight remove before flight flags. Conclusion As is usual with Videoaviation the details and moulding quality is superb and the decals are well printed. They will make a great addition to any model. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Navy Deck Crewman Videoaviation 1:32 [164132] The latest release from Videoaviation.com is this set of a USN Deck Crewman with associated chocks. The set is manufactured in a creamy beige resin which is really well moulded and detailed. Whilst it only contains one figure, the additional chocks can be used separately if required and the crewman used in a different role. The crewman body, head and legs are moulded as one part, with the arms moulded separately. The chocks, of which three assemblies can be modelled, are made up of separate arms, chocks and chock ends. One or two of the resin arms in the review set are slightly warped and will need to be straightened using boiling water before the chock and end sections are attached. When fitted to the arms the chocks are able to be moveable in real life, and with a bit of work can be made to work on the model parts. But generally they should be fixed into position to whatever width you require. The instructions come complete with colour photographs of crewmen on a flightdeck, showing the colours of the uniform generally used by the USN. Conclusion This is another very useful set for those modellers who like to build dioramas/vignettes with their large scale models. If used with the other crew sets it will help bring to life whatever story the modeller is trying to tell. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

MHU-12 Munitions Trailer - Duel Set 1:72 Videoaviation The MHU-12 munitions handling trailer is used by the USAF to transport munitions between the storage areas and the flightline. It can be changed to accommodate a wide variety of munitions. Two hinged deck panels in the centre of the trailer bed fold open to provide access. The trailer can generally carry bombs in one configuration, and missiles in the other. In the missile configuration it can carry larger missiles on the bed of the trailer (such as AIM-7 or AIM-120) a second higher layer can carry smaller missiles (such as the AIM-9). It is also available with a flat bed for general usage. The Kit Videoaviation already had this trailer available in the bigger scales, they have now scaled it down for the lovers of the one true scale The added benefit in the smaller scale is that it is available in a duel boxing. Each trailer has two main bed panels, the centre part, front & rear axles, missile & bomb chocks, upper missile rails, tow bar and 4 wheels. The is crisp with good casting and no bubbles present. Conclusion This is an important part in getting munitions to the flightline and will look great in any US Airfield diorama. Highly Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

WCMD (Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser) is a tail kit for cluster bombs (CBU-87, 89 & 97) wich convert these in GPS all-weather precision-guided munitions. Currently use on F-16C and F-15E. Set of 4 bombs with decals, 10,00 eu price.

Rocket Launchers and Dual Ejectors Videoaviation 1:32 Along with the bomb sets reviewed HERE, we have received three more sets from Videoaviation, to sets contain rocket launchers, the LAU-3 and the LAU-31, whilst the third contains dual ejector racks for the F-104. As with the other sets, these are moulded in creamy beige resin, with no sign of imperfections or pin holes/bubbles and protected in the sturdy plastic box and bubble wrap. Dual Ejector Racks (153132) This set contains two dual ejector racks, as used by the F-104 Starfighter. The two racks are very easy to use, just fit the two separate crutch plates, or sway braces as they are called in the instructions, to the top side of each rack, fit you chosen store to each of the ejector racks, then attach to your Starfighter. Nothing could be simpler. LAU-3 Rocket Launcher (153432) This set contains two launcher pods with separate front and rear ends which depict the launcher as loaded. You will need a sharp scalpel blade to remove the moulding block from each launcher, and the end pieces from their moulding sheet, followed by a quick bit of sanding to clean the parts up. The ends are then glued into position and fitted to whichever model you choose. The small decal sheet only carries three different stencils per launcher, and a pair of remove before flight flags. The instruction sheet does give Gunze paint codes and the dimensions of the alluminium strip at each end. LAU-32 Rocket Launcher (153532) This launcher is slightly longer than the LAU-3 and comes with the nose cap moulded in place, so it’s just a matter of removeing the moulding block from the launcher body and the tail piece, giving both a quick bit of fettling, before gluing the end to the body. These launchers were simply painted, with the body white and the ends in black, decals are provided for the stencils as with the LAU-3 set, as well as a pair of remove before flight flags. Conclusion Videoaviation have given us three more very useful sets for the large scale modeller. Suitable for any 1:32 F-104, they are probably better suited for the newish Italeri kit, the dual ejector racks will certainly give the finished model a different look. The rocket launchers can be fitted to a multitude of US aircraft, just check you references to check where they were mounted on which aircraft, although you may need to buy more than one set to fit out a pair of TER’s. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Crew Chief Sets Videoaviation 1:32 The latest releases from Videoaviation.com these three sets of figures for USAF and USN based dioramas/vignettes. Each set is manufactured in a creamy beige resin which is really well moulded and detailed. Two of the sets include two figures of crew chiefs, one for the USN and one for the USAF, the middle set only has one figure, but does include a useful piece of equipment for your vignette or diorama. [153632] Includes two figures of US Navy crew chiefs. The first is a single piece moulding of the chief standing with his hands behind his back, whilst the second figure, comes in four parts with separate arms and a line pouch. Although separate the arms look like they can only be posed with the right arm in a salute and the left arm straight down the side. The instructions do come with a couple of colour photos showing the helmet colours used. The rest of the uniform needs to be researched, but the instructions do give colour callouts for the various parts of the uniform. [153732] Also contains two figures, this time of crew chiefs in the USAF. Once again there is one single piece figure with his hands behind his back. The second figure is moulded with a single piece body, but with separate arms and a screwdriver, and can be posed as if he were fitting or removing a panel. The instructions provide a picture of part of the uniform in colour showing, in close-up, the digitised nature of the camouflage. [153832] This final set comes with only one figure, but with a very useful prop. The figure is a crew chief of the USAF and comes as a single piece moulding of the body, but with separate arms and is posed leaning over a laptop computer, (provided as two parts). The laptop sits on top of a tool chest, which is made up of the box, separate front, and four casters. The set is further detailed with the addition of a pair of battery drills. The instructions include the same detailed colour close-up of the uniform camouflage. Conclusion If you’re going to build a one of the amazing 1:32 aircraft on the market you may want to give it even more of a lift by placing it a diorama. For that you will need personnel such as these, and you really can’t go wrong with Videoaviations releases, as they are of superb quality and provide those little details that aren’t usually noticed. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

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

Hobart AM32A-86 Generator 1:48 & 1:72 VideoAviation The Hobart Genny was dual voltage generator that was often seen plugged into an aircraft on the ground, running the electronics when the engine or APU wasn't turning to generate its own juice. It could deliver 400hz 115v or 200v AC power from a Detroit diesel power plant, and was introduced in the late 80s, being used by a number of Air Forces. The Kit Available in 1:72 and 1:48, this little kit is as comprehensive as you could wish for. It arrives in a small white card box with an almost full-face sticker on the top containing product details and a picture of the finished item. Under the instruction sheet you will find a ziplok bag of resin parts, the large body part wrapped in foam sheet, and another ziplok bag containing decals, a piece of clear acetate and some black rubber tubing. There are fifteen resin parts on eight pouring blocks in a dense light grey resin, and all parts have sensibly placed attachment points for easy release and minimal clean-up. The main part is the enclosure for the engine, which has a sliver of resin under it that can be sanded off (taking the usual precautions with resin), after which you can add the two fairings that house the wheel wells, and have a shallow upstand around their perimeter for stowage. The axles fit under the main body, locating in pairs of slots with triangular profile, after which you can install the four wheels with their separate hubs, towing pintle, and a (lifting?) eye on the top centre of the body. There are two small control panels set into the side of the body, which have clear covers over their surfaces. The larger panel at the top is covered completely by a small piece of acetate sheet that you will need to cut very carefully to shape, and it also has a small hand-hole for removal, which you can attempt if you are feeling brave. The lower panel has a small hood of clear material, which you should glue to the narrow triangular section that allows the real thing to swing out or slide flush, in the same manner as your cooker hood at home. You will probably want to fix these after painting is complete, and either clear gloss varnish, or G-S Hypo cement would be useful to fix them cleanly. The provided hose should be stowed in one of the sponson trays, with one end plugged into the hole in the little square upstand below the control panels. Markings It seems that most of these units were white green, or grey, but you can be assured that they saw some wear that took a toll on their appearance fairly quickly. The decals provided are printed by Fantasy Printshop, and consist primarily of edge and corner markers to prevent the erks from bumping into them, but there are also helpful pointers such as "Do not forklift" and the designation DG12, plus a pair of small data plates, and of course an emergency shut-down stencil in red. Decals are up to Fantasy Printshop's usual standard, and shouldn't give you any problems. Conclusion The kits are essentially the same in each scale, with the exception of the wheels for the 1:72 option being single parts due to their size, and the eye on the body pre-moulded to the top. They are simple kits, but look very effective when completed, and will give any diorama some additional appeal and realism. Highly recommended. 1:48 1:72 Review sample courtesy of

MHU-12 Munitions Trailer Videoaviation 1:32 The latest 1:32 release from Videoaviation is of a MHU-12 Munitions trailer. The set comes in a sturdy cardboard box with a picture of the two options included in the kit. Inside there is quite a lot of cream coloured resin contained in either bubblewrap or ziplock bags. The mouldings are very nicely produced with very little flash and minimal webbing/attachments connecting the parts to the moulding blocks. There are fifty two parts all told, but some will not be used depending on whether you’re building an early or late trolley. Construction begins with the fitting of the various underside fittings for the two pallet like beds, which consist of two tube mounts, six boxes, and four suspension mounts. Between the two beds there is a removable section that can be left unglued, depending if you’re likely to change the weapons the trolley is carrying. The extension tube is fitted to the two underside mounting plates, along with the extension box, mechanism and handle. Once the tow axles have been attached to the suspension mounts, the wheels can be fitted. These are made up of a separate hub and the choice of early or late style wheels, once these are attached the steering rods and tow hitch are fitted. To go with the early or late theme the modeller can choose from two styles of towing beam. The eight tie down rings, four per side are fitted, followed by the rear tow hitch and the eight weapon pads, which can be fitted as to the modellers wishes, depending on what weapons are being used. The small sheet of decals contains a couple of warning signs and what I presume are reflective panels for around the trolley. Conclusion This is another very useful piece of ground equipment from Videoaviation, which will look great in a diorama next to one of the myriad of 1:32 US aircraft on the market. The quality is superb, not just with the moulding, but also the details included. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Diorama accessory sets Videoaviation 1:32 The latest releases from Videoaviation.com these three sets for USAF and USN based dioramas/vignettes. Each set is manufactured in a creamy beige resin which is really well moulded and detailed. Each set also includes a figure which adds some human interest to a diorama. [130832] This set contains flightline fire extinguishers as used by the USAF. Inside the sturdy cardboard box are two poly zip lock bags of creamy beige resin parts, a couple of parts wrapped in bubble wrap, a small decal sheet and the instruction sheet. The resin is beautifully rendered, with no signs of bubbles or other flaws. The casting blocks don’t look to difficult to remove, but it will take a razor saw to do the best job on the larger parts. The large halon extinguisher sits in a hand pushed, although there is a towing eye so could be attached to the back of a truck or tractor, trolley and is made up of the framework, extinguisher tank which has a separate nozzle and retaining clip, the trolley wheels a rubber hose and the extinguisher head. The included figure comes in three parts the body, including head and legs and the separate arms. These are meant to be attached in such a pose as to have the figure pushing the trolley. The kit also includes three hand held extinguishers which come as the main tank, separate handle and some more of the rubber hose. The painting guide is pretty simple and the decals provided are well printed and include the general markings used on these extinguishers. [141132] makes up into an Aero 12C Bomb Skid. Contained in a zip-lock bag with a card liner, on the back of which are the instructions, this is once again moulded in the creamy beige resin. The mouldings are really well rendered and the details crisp and clean. Construction is quite simple, with the main skid body being fitted with the two wheels, rear stands and the two long arms. If you are going to use the provided figure then the hand rings on the end of the arms need to be removed. There is only a small amount of cleanup required once the parts have been removed from the casting blocks, but be aware of the handles as they are quite fragile and require the flash between them and the block to be carefully removed. As with the above set the figure is complete apart from the arms which make it easier to pose as the modeller wishes. Also make note that most of the time only one handle is attached, as in the picture below. [141232] Contained in a zip-lock bag with card liner, this is the simplest of the three sets as it contains the figure, again with separate arms, and six holdbacks, as used to hold back the aircraft nose wheel when on the catapult shoe. The resin is the same colour as that used in the sets above and is of equal quality. There are no instructions as the assembly is so simple and the colours are shown on the card liner. Conclusion If you’re going to build a one of the amazing 1:32 aircraft on the market you may want to give it even more of a lift by placing it a diorama. For that you will need accessories such as these, and you really can’t go wrong with Videoaviations releases, as they are of superb quality and provide those little details that aren’t usually noticed on the flightline or flightdeck. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of