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Released - 1/48 - ref. 233448 - US NAVY modern Shipboard Towing Tractor (STT) https://www.videoaviation.com/product/1-48-usn-stt-towing-tractor/ Source: https://www.facebook.com/videoaviation/posts/pfbid02JGo4Sa1GuYpvLZLv3Dm3zTCE9sp3urn3zpJLWEbjNFq97qWfY3pMJFiYsR96QwXtl V.P.

RAF Houchin 25K VA Ground Power Unit (229732) 1:32 VideoAviation To some modellers the name of this essential piece of aircraft ground-handling kit might still garner a response such as "A what now?", but without these unassuming boxes that contain diesel or petrol engines to generate ground power for aircraft when their engines are off. Technicians and crews couldn't work on the systems without lighting up the engines so that the aircraft could have electrical power, which is expensive and dangerous if you’re not paying attention. Whenever an aircraft was preparing for flight, or engaged in maintenance, there would always be one of these nearby chugging away and generating the power needed to run the systems, plus a lot less pollution than the gas-guzzling jet engines otherwise would. This particular type of 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 the retirement of the older aircraft from the RAF's fleet. There are still some in service with conservation groups that have suitable aircraft in their hangars. The Kit The resin set is already available in 1:72 and 1:48 and now is out for the large-scale modeller. It arrives in a sturdy cardboard box, with the bright yellowy cream-coloured parts in Ziploc bags swaddled in bubble wrap. The instruction sheet also helps keep the parts safe, and details construction in an isometric format. Because this is larger scale, it comes with more detail than its smaller scale predecessors. This set includes seventeen resin parts, eight 3D Printed parts in grey resin, four clear resin parts, a length of flexible black tubing, plus a small sheet of decals with yellow stripes and data plates. The main body is a large hollow part to which you add the top panel with various circular caps, the bottom surface with the pivoting hole and guide arc, plus the radiator on the front of the device. The two axles are made up on palettes and are supported by leaf-springs, the front axle also having a peg on which it pivots. The front axle slots into the hole in the underside, while the rear slides under the back with a bumper/fender on the reverse. A 3D exhaust/muffler is glued into a hole in the underside, and more 3D parts are attached to the back for the towing hitch and filler tube. At the rear the control panel is inserted into a recess and is either enclosed by the two doors if you don’t want to paint the details, or you can leave them open to show off your hard work. The top of the unit is dotted with clear resin parts on the raised circular areas, and 3D lifting eyes are glued into little holes in the corners. The towing A-frame has a 3D tripod support fixed underneath and another 3D hitch on top, after which it is glued into the brackets on the front of the forward axle, with a narrow cable running to it from under the unit, which you’ll have to find from your own supplies. The thick AC/DC cable is made from the flexible hose, adding a 3D plug to the end. Markings The instructions provide a painting guide to the details, and advise you to look at their site for some painting assistance, which gives a choice of yellow, tan or green for the body, depending on whether you are modelling an early or late unit respectively. The decals include four yellow warning stripes, plus a pair of unit numbers for the top of each end. You can see the reference photos by clicking on the link below. Conclusion A great addition to any ground-handling diorama that won't tax your skills to complete, but will add some interest to your work. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Videoaviation has just released a 1/32nd Coleman MB4 towing tractor resin & 3D printed kit - ref. 229632 Source: https://www.videoaviation.com/product/1-32-coleman-mb4-towing-tractor/ V.P.

US Navy Modern Tow Tractor (211872) 1:72 Videoaviation.com The US navy need a low profile tug to move about on carriers. The current STT (Shipboard tow tractor) is the A/S32A-32. This also provides a mobile platform and fuel source for an engine air start unit the MSU-200NAV The Kit This kit is of the Tow Tractor with the GPU mounted to the rear. It arrives in videoaviation's standard white box with a drawing on the lid. Inside the tractor body is the main single part which requires no clean up. The rest of the parts are all in separate bags. These include PE parts and decals. Here Videoaviation are making use of 3D printed resin for some of the smaller parts and the single piece figure. This makes for great quality which is easier cleaned up, The figure here had departed from the 3D casting block in transit with no damage to the figure itself. To start the tie down points are attached to the main body of the tug, then in the driver area instrument consoles, foot controls and the steering wheel are added. The seat is also then added. Hubs are attached to the wheels and then these can be put onto the main body. Grills and lights are added along with the main rear tow hook The exhaust for the GPU is added. Stencil decals can then be added. To finish off the figure can be used if wanted. Conclusion If you're placing any of your models on a base, adding ancillary equipment is a great way of enhancing realism. As always the quality of the parts from Videoaviation is top notch. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

US Navy MHU-191/M Munitions & Missiles Transporter (211948 & 212048) 1:48 VideoAviation The MHU-191/M is a bomb trolley used by the US Navy to transport either two bombs or four Missiles from the below decks arsenal to the aircraft that are intending to use them. They’re usually operated by two people and propelled by hand thanks to a long handle with T-shaped cross-bar that steers the front wheels. The two configurations are available as separate sets, and both arrive in clear clamshell boxes with card inserts at the front, the parts in separate Ziploc bags, the figures enclosed in bubble-wrap, and the instructions folded to provide protection for the parts. These sets both come with two figures each, but this time they are 3D printed using SLA resin, attached to a base plate by a webwork of supports that is easy to clip off and sand back (I tested it). The rest of the parts are resin, and each set has the same decal sheet that holds the stencils applied to the vehicle to differentiate one from another in the inventory. MHU-191/M Munitions Transporter (211948) This set comes with a pair of bombs that have separate tail-feathers, totalling twelve resin parts and the two 3D printed figures. The figures just need cleaning up before they can be painted, while the resin parts need removing from their casting blocks, after which the ladder chassis is fitted with four wheels, two bomb support cradles and the long handle with a crossbar at the end. The bombs are Mk.82s with BSU-86B tail units, and painting guides are included for them as well as the figures, which are called out using colour names with their uniforms colour coded in accordance with their deck jobs. One figure is pushing at shoulder height on the rear of the trolley, while the other walks along holding the handle, guiding it across the deck. As usual with VA figures, they’re well designed and realistic. MHU-191/M Missile Transporter (212048) This set is an empty cart, although there’s nothing to stop you adding some missiles of your choice from your kit or an aftermarket set you plan on using. The figures are again 3D SLA printed on a series of supports leading to the base, which will need clipping off and the tiny marks sanding back flush. The chassis gets a set four wheels in the corners, then two pairs of V-shaped supports with another layer on a longitudinal brace with another four supports. That should allow the carriage of four missiles if the operating crew are feeling strong enough. The towing handle attaches to the front just like the set above. Speaking of the crew, one operator is pushing or pulling the cross-bar with both hands, while the other is standing casually with one hand resting on the trolley. Again, colour call-outs are given in names for the crew and the cart, with the same stencils applied to both trucks. Conclusion VideoAviation never fail to impress with their sets, which by now could probably fill a full-sized carrier if you put them all side by side. It’s good to see them making full use of the new 3D Printing technology too. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Videoaviation (http://videoaviation.com/ & https://www.facebook.com/videoaviation/ )has just released some interesting 1/72nd resin kits/sets: Source: https://www.facebook.com/videoaviation/posts/2275597002570574 - ref. 211672 - AM/32A-60 Starter Cart DUAL Set https://www.videoaviation.com/product/1-72-a-m32a-60-starter-cart-dual-set/ - ref. 211572 - MA/1A Starter Cart DUAL Set https://www.videoaviation.com/product/1-72-ma-1a-starter-cart-dual-set/ - ref. 211472 - Harlan tow tractor DUAL Set https://www.videoaviation.com/product/1-72-harlan-tow-tractor-dual-set/ - ref. 211772 - MA/1A & MD-3 Cold war Starter set https://www.videoaviation.com/product/1-72-ma-1a-md-3-cold-war-starter-set/ V.P.

USAF Flight-Line Extinguishers w/Modern Figure (201848) 1:48 VideoAviation Flight-lines are sometimes dangerous places thanks to start-up and shut-down of aero-engines being a little bit prone to spontaneous fires if something doesn’t turn on or off correctly. That’s why you see ground-crew standing at a respectful distance with a fire-extinguisher at the ready, just in case. This set from VideoAviation depicts a crewman wheeling his tubular trolley that contains a large extinguisher, as well as a couple of smaller ones that are dotted around for when additional help arrives. The crew-figure is of recent vintage, wearing the kind of standard BDU trousers and tshirt that you would see on every US airbase. The set arrives in a small clear clamshell box, with the contents cocooned in bubble-wrap behind a header card. The crewman and trolley frame are 3D printed in stereo-lithographic resin (SLR), and due to their delicate nature, they are again wrapped in blankets of foam sheet, which we removed for a better look. The seven other parts are in a cream-coloured resin, with a small decal sheet and roll of flexible tube bringing up the rear plus an instruction sheet that completes the package. Construction is simple, removing the frame from the supports, gluing the wheels and large canister to the frame, then making up an extended hose with nozzle at the end using the parts provided. The spare extinguishers are each a single part, and all three have stencils applied once they are painted. The crew figure just needs his supports cutting away, and will be ready to paint once you have cleaned up any attachment marks. The printing of the figure is excellent, and well up to the standards of any traditional sculpt, which is mind-blowing (a little bit) because before printing it only existed in a computer. He scales out at just over 1.7m or around 5’8”, which is a tad small, but within the range of plausibility. Some very detailed meshes went to make him. Painting instructions are given at relevant points, offering suggestions in colour names where applicable. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Harlan Tow Tractor (20932) 1:32 VideoAviation.com Harlan has been in the tow tractor game for 60 years. In that time they have been used on airfields military and civilian. This typical tow tractor has been used for many years by the USAF. It can be fitted with a protective cab, or left open The kit This arrives in videoaviation's standard white box, the main body is a single resin casting which is clean with no bubbles or other issues, it requires minimal clean up. The dash, wheels, seats, steering wheel and other controls need to be added. There are clear resin parts for the lights. A small decal sheet provides the HARLEN logos for the side as well as US Air Force titles. Conclusion Another quality product from Videoaviation. If you're planning on a USAF Diorama for your latest build then one of these will set it off well. Highly recommended. Review samples courtesy of

GBU-54 JDAM (MK 82) Bombs (USAF & USN) (209232 & 209132) 1:32 VideoAviation.com The GBU-54 or JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) is a guidance kit which converts various dumb bombs ito GPS Guided Munitions, in this case the Mk.82 bomb. A further development is the Laser JDAM. This retains the accuracy of the GPS weapon with the ability to engage moving targets being lased by ground unit. The laser unit (DSU-38/B) communicates with the fuse in the tail with a fixed wire harness running along the bomb body. The Bombs They arrive in videoaviation's standard clear clam-shell box with an insert showing the bombs. The bombs are split into the main body and the tail for moulding reasons. The USN weapons have the ablative coating moulding on. There are small runs of bomb lugs, and GPS antennas. There is also a small sheet of decals for each set with different marking between the USN & USAF. USAF USN Conclusion Another quality product from Videoaviation. If you're planning on bombing up your 1/32 USN/USAF modern aircraft then you need to look at these. Highly recommended. USAF USN Review samples courtesy of

RAF 1000LB Bombs (Free fall & Retarded tails) (209432 & 209532) 1:32 VideoAviation.com The RAF Have used the 1000Lb bomb for a while, the standard bomb body can be fitted with a variety of Fuzes and tails, including paveway guided bomb kits. The Bombs They arrive in videoaviation's standard clear clam-shell box with an insert showing the bombs. Like the real bombs they are split into the bomb body and the tail units. There are a couple of resin runners which hold the tail fuse vanes and the carry lugs. There is also 2 small decal sheets for each set. Freefall Tails Retarded Tails Conclusion Another quality product from Videoaviation. If you're planning on bombing up your 1/32 RAF aircraft then you need to look at these. Highly recommended. Free Fall Retarded Review sample courtesy of

USN Deck Crew Set (201748) 1:48 VideoAviation They say being a deck operator on an Aircraft Carrier is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, which is believable, given that there are large chunks of jet and prop-powered metal weighing several tons moving around, getting flung into the air and landing back on. This set of resin figures from VideoAviation contains parts for seven of these folks plus a number of chocks and holdbacks. It arrives in one of their familiar large clamshell boxes with a layer of bubble-wrap surrounding everything but the cover card. Inside are eleven casting blocks, with one each for the figures and four for the accessories. There are a few wisps of resin here and there where the parts have come out of the mould, but these can be removed so easily it barely merits mention. The figures have heads, legs and torsos moulded as a single part, with one or both arms as separate parts where practical, and only one of the flight line crew being moulded with both arms attached held behind his back, and Shooter 1 giving the thumbs up with his other hand on his thigh. There are figures representative of Chocks, Holdbacks, Shooter 1, Shooter 2, Fly Director, and two Flight Line Crew in different poses. The instructions show the figures fully built with colour call-outs to their clothing, bone domes and equipment, plus a simple guide to assembling the Chocks from five parts, allowing you to vary the distance between the two highly textured stoppers. Very little clean-up will be needed once the parts are liberated from their casting blocks, with a few swipes of the sanding sticks to ensure the figures can stand up unaided. Even the kneeling figures have small attachment points at the knee and toes to prevent a big flat-spot or seamline down the leg, so care has been taken to make the job easier for us, which is always appreciated. Conclusion If you’re looking to populate a diorama or just have some figures next to your model, the detail is excellent, and as you get 7 crew in the pack they’re great value. Review sample courtesy of

Cold War Starter Set - MD3 Generator & MA-1 Start Cart (208832) 1:32 VideoAviation.com I must say when you see the words "Starter Set" in modelling this is not what springs to mind. his is a new set from VideoAviation which provides aircraft starting sets. The MA-1A gives high pressure air which is fed directly in via the hoses to spool up an aircraft engine. This is provided by a small turbine engine mounted on the cart. The MD3 generator set is a ground power unit. It was designed to provide 28-volt DC 1500 amp, 115/220-volt AC three-phase electrical power for B-47 aircraft for ground operation and start. It also can be used with other aircraft that have power requirements compatible with its output. It uses a Continental 180-hp six-cylinder reciprocating engine to generate the power. Both would be often seen on the cold war USA airfield, originally in bright yellow before later being painted green. Both units arrive in the same white box from VideoAviation. The MD3 There is one main solid resin part for the body of the generator with additional resin parts, and a cable provided as well. A good sized decal sheet provides all the markings needed. The MA-1A There is one main solid resin part for the starter with all additional parts in resin. There is a smallish decal sheet provides all the markings. As the air hoses are provided in resin when heated in hot water the modeller will be able o bend them to what ever shape is required. Conclusion If you're placing any of your models on a base, adding ancillary equipment is a great way of enhancing realism. Once again the quality of casting in these sets from VideoAviation is superb. Very Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

US Navy ALBAR 15 Universal Towbar (209032) 1:32 VideoAviation.com The US Navy have to move aircraft around and for this they need towbars. The ALBAR 15 is known as the 15 as it is 15 feet long. The ALBAR is also designed for towing aircraft provided with fuselage and landing gear tow rings. The locking pins on the end of the tubes are also used to attach to the standard shipboard crash dollies to provide positive control while moving damaged aircraft supported with crash dollies. The Kit It arrives in videoaviation's standard clear clam-shell box with n insert showing the towbar. . Inside there are two bars. The parts consist of the main bars, the end with the wheels, and the top end to connect to the towing tractor. Decals are provided for two different versions. Conclusion If you're placing any of your models on a base, adding ancillary equipment is a great way of enhancing realism. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

USAF M-117 GP Bombs 1:32 VideoAviation The M-117 was the standard bomb of the USAF from the 1950s through the 1970s and beyond, and was able to be fitted with differing tail assemblies depending on the job with which they were tasked. These sets arrive in clear clamshell boxes with a card insert and instructions at the front, and the resin parts behind them cocooned in bubble-wrap for their own protection. USAF M-117 750lb Bombs w/MAU-91 Retarded Tail (208532) This set includes resin parts sufficient to build six M117 bombs with the MAU-91 Snake-eye fin assembly, and a set of lugs and fuses. Each bomb is made from the bomb body, the fin assembly in retracted state for carrying, plus two lugs and a fuse for each. Simply cut off the moulding blocks, dish the mating surfaces in the centre and glue them together, taking care with the alignment so your bomb doesn't end up looking like a banana. A scrap diagram shows the correct alignment of the fins to the support lugs, which should be 45o offset from them. USAF M-117 750lb Bombs w/MAU-103 ‘Strakes’ Tail (208632) This set also includes resin parts sufficient to build six M117 bombs with the MAU-103 low-drag conical fin assembly, and a set of lugs and fuses. Each bomb is made from the bomb body, the fin assembly in retracted state for carrying, plus two lugs and a fuse for each. As before you cut off the moulding blocks, dish the mating surfaces in the centre and glue them together, and check alignment to avoid a banana bomb. Another scrap diagram shows the correct alignment of the fins to the support lugs, which should be 45o offset from them. Markings The bombs are all painted olive green and the bodies probably got beaten up in storage before they were attached to the fins, so there’s room for a little juxtaposition of fresh and fatigued finishes there if you wish. The decals are simple stencils for the body, and you’ll need to put appropriate coloured rings around the nose yourself to denote what happens when the fuse hits the ground. Yellow for bang, blue for thud. Conclusion Well detailed and large in this scale, these simple bombs will look great hung under your latest Vietnam era project, and with 6 in each box they’re good value. Review sample courtesy of

USAF MD-1 Towbar Early & Late (191548 & 191648) 1:48 VideoAviation Our friends at VideoAviation specialise in accessories for our aircraft models such as ground-handling gear and weapons sets. These two sets from them depict the two versions of the USAF’s trusty MD-1 Towbar that debuted in the 80s and is still in use today. The original design was updated to improve the operation of the transport wheels by adding an additional damper and wider wheels and tyres, presumably to improve its handling during transport to and from the apron. Both sets contain many of the same parts and arrive in a clear clamshell with a card front and instructions behind, plus the resin parts behind in a ziplok bag for safety and cushioning. The clamp/hitch that attaches to the nose-gear are first to be made up, and they are the same for each variant, consisting of a wide Y-shaped bracket with two fingers that wind in and out on a worm-screw that’s hand-cranked from one end. This attaches to one end of the bar, and at the join between the two halves of that the two suspension arms and their wheels are added. The modern version has wider, smaller wheels and additional pair of arms that stand up and attach to the damper with the other end slotted into an additional bracket clamped over the bar. The towing eye slots into the hollow end of the bar, and has a wire that you shape by using the included jig (bottom left & right in the photo) and slip into the base of the eye. Scrap diagrams show the wheels in both transport and towing positions, and you are told to paint the finished piece in green or grey depending on the era or your references. Conclusion Great for dioramas either in the foreground or as background clutter, with a choice of two types depending on when your model is in time. Casting is excellent as we’ve come to expect from VideoAviation, and it’s also available in 1:32, which we reviewed a while back here. Highly recommended. MD-1 Towbar Early (191548) MD-1 Towbar Late (191648) Review sample courtesy of

VideoAviation has just released 1/48th MD-1 aircraft towbar resin kits. MD-1 towbar was used mainly by NATO-USAF air forces during the Cold War – Vietnam era. - MD-1 Towbar “Early” Source: http://www.videoaviation.com/ground-support/148-md-1-towbar-early/ - MD-1 Towbar “Late” Source: http://www.videoaviation.com/ground-support/148-md-1-towbar-late/ V.P.

VideoAviation is working on a 1/48th Lockheed F-104 Starfighter resin starter set composed by the Atlas compressor and the Ground Power Unit - ref. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/videoaviation/posts/1717802765016670 videoaviation.com/ground-support/148-f-104-starter-set/ V.P.

US Navy Modern Tow Tractor (198432) 1:32 VideoAviation.com The US navy need a low profile tug to move about on carriers. The current STT (Shipboard tow tractor) is the A/S32A-32. This also provides a mobile platform and fuel source for an engine air start unit the MSU-200NAV The Kit It arrives in videoaviation's standard white box with a drawing on the lid. Inside the tractor body is the main single part which requires no clean up. The rest of the parts are all in separate bags. To start 6 tie down points are attached to the main body of the tug, then in the driver area instrument consoles, foot controls and the steering wheel are added. The seat is also then added. Hubs are attached to the wheels and then these can be put onto the main body. Grills and lights are added along with the main rear tow hook Stencil decals can then be added. To finish off the figure can be used if wanted. Conclusion If you're placing any of your models on a base, adding ancillary equipment is a great way of enhancing realism. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

VideoAviation has just released a 1/32nd Schopf U.S. NAVY Modern Tow Tractor Source: http://www.videoaviation.com/ground-support/132-u-s-navy-modern-tow-tractor/ Instructions: http://www.videoaviation.com/?wpdmact=process&did=NDAuaG90bGluaw== V.P.

USAF MD-1 Towbar "Late" (198032) 1:32 VideoAviation Aircraft are incredibly expensive and their engines require regular maintenance, so when they're on the ground it makes a lot more sense to tow them around rather than wear them out. They also don't go backwards very well for the most part, so a tractor is usually used, along with a suitable towbar. The USAF have used the MD-1 towbar for the majority of their fighter aircraft since the 1980s, and are likely to do so for some considerable time, on the basis that it works! Arriving in a clear rectangular clamshell box, it has a printed header card, the resin parts cocooned in thick bubble-wrap, and the instructions folded into quarters to complete the set's protection. There are 20 resin parts in the box, plus two lengths of wire and a small length of hexagonal section plastic rod. Construction begins with the strut clamp, which is built up from four parts and a little winding handle to apply or remove the clamp to the aircraft's axle. The towbar is made up from two sections, with the plastic rod threaded through the hole in the join, from which the two axle/suspension arms hang. Two smaller arms stand up and join together at the top of the damper unit and a pair of scrap views show how they should be arranged for towing and transport positions, then it's a case of adding the thin hubs and diamond treaded tyres. At the towing end, the eye is fitted into the hollow tube, and the metal wire is formed around the supplied template (seen far left above) and then fitted to the top of the eye, through the two holes in the sides. Although you'll probably be painting things as you go along, the general scheme was olive green initially, changing to grey in the modern USAF. There are no stencils, so once the painting is out of the way, you can choose whether you want to weather and chip it or leave it fresh and new. There is a shorter version out there, so check your references if you're depicting a particular incident. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

USAF Vietnam Set (191348) 1:48 VideoAviation.com Our friends at VideoAviation have released quite a few figures now, and have recently scaled down their USAF Crew Chief set to my favourite scale, 1:48. In the process they have dropped the "Crew Chief" part (I guess he got demoted) and due to the drop in scale there's a lot more in the box, making this ideal for general crew during the Vietnam era. The set arrives in a clear clamshell box, and is rather well packed with resin and instructions as a result of the upgrade. Inside the box we have the two crew figures that were present in the larger scale set, both of whom have separate arms for added detail, one of which is kneeling, the other cooler dude is standing with a neat pair of shades on. In addition you get a substantial quantity of equipment, including a six-part extinguisher cart, six large ammo cans moulded on a single wafer, and four tool boxes also wafer cast. Finally, there are two hollow-cast lidless oil drums to decorate your diorama with, which were often used for dumping FOD that was found around the airfield. The instructions point out colours as they go, using colour names instead of a particular manufacturer's brand codes, which is helpful. You'll need to use super-glue (CA) or epoxy to glue the parts together, and as usual with resin, take the precaution of wearing a mask when cutting or sanding, as the tiny particles are harmful to your health if breathed in. Washing the parts in warm water will also improve the adhesion of paint, as there may still be some moulding release agent on the parts when you receive them. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

SUU-30 (CBU-54)B/B Submunitions Dispensers – Early (197632) 1:32 VideoAviation Formerly known as Cluster Bombs, this Submunitions Dispenser is the early, blunt-nosed variant used in the Vietnam war in large numbers. They contained small explosive units that could be dispersed over a wider area, denying the enemy the area for longer by adding the fear of delayed-action fuses into the bargain. This set contains six dispensers in a clear clamshell package, protected by bubble-wrap and the folded instruction sheet. The front and rear sections are bagged separately, as are the separate shackles and decals for each item. Once the casting blocks are removed, the halves can be glued together, and a scrap diagram shows the correct orientation of the fins. The two lugs fit into their depressions on the front body section, and then it's just a case of painting and decaling them. The main body is Olive Green, and the stencils are shown on diagrams of the completed model, and you are advised to cut the large dashed rectangle in half to ease adding it to the model. That's it! Repeat six times if you're planning on using them all in one sitting, and give them a lightly distressed look from handling in the bomb dump. Review sample courtesy of

US Navy Aero 12C Cart with Ordnanceman & Mk.82 (181148) 1:48 VideoAviation The Aero 12C bomb handling cart is a wheelbarrow-style frame that has two rubber tyres that allow the manoeuvring of munitions on-deck by a single crew-member, or Ornanceman. One or two bombs are strapped in place and pushed/pulled by the one or two handles that distance the crewman far enough away from the centre of balance to make the task easy (enough). There are adapters available to carry other shapes of munitions, but in its basic form it can be used directly with the Mk.82 bomb, which is a standard 500lb bomb in use with the US Navy sometimes fitted with a fire-retarding ablative coating, and can be fitted with various head and tail units to suit the task in hand. This set arrives in a clear clamshell box with the parts bagged for their protection in ziplok bags, a small instruction sheet and a front card with the product details and a shot of the finished model for reference. It contains a single-handled cart, broken down into the sled, two wheels, two stays and one handle, plus two bombs that are made up from the front body (without ablative coating), and the high-drag fin portion. In addition, you get a single crewman, dressed appropriately for modern deck-crew, with goggles down and his bone dome with integrated comms and ear protection. He is in a pitched forward pushing position, with one hand on the handle, the other supporting the bomb's fin unit, and a man-bag at his hip. The spare bomb can be set in the cart, used as part of a diorama on the deck or already fitted to the waiting aircraft. The ordnanceman is shown on the instructions from two angles, with arrows pointing out the colours of his uniform and equipment, which should be a great help if you're not familiar with them. Conclusion More great accessories from VideoAviation, who don't seem to be able to make a dud (accidental bomb pun - sorry!). The figure is well-sculpted, the model detailed as per the real-deal, and the inclusion of not one, but two bombs is good to see. If you wanted to depict them with the ablative coating, just stipple a little putty onto the body for effect. Also available in 1:32 here, if you like 'em larger. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Modern RAF/RN Tractor (181248) 1:48 VideoAviation Made by Schopf, the F59 Multitow tractor is the current weapon of choice used by the RAF and Royal Navy to move their aircraft around the airfield or deck as appropriate. Powered by a 1104D-44T Perkins diesel engine or Deutz TD2011 L04 diesel, they are four-wheel drive with front steering, and left-hand drive due to its European origin. The Kit This is a multimedia kit from our friends at VideoAviation, a follow-on from their earlier 1:72 release. It arrives in a sturdy card box with a sticker showing the contents, and inside are thirty six resin parts, a sheet of Photo-Etch (PE) brass, a pre-cut sheet of clear acetate, a short length of styrene rod, a decal sheet and the instruction sheet, which you can also download from the Further Information link below. The body part is wrapped in bubble-wrap with a chunk of dense foam preventing the doors from getting crushed during transit, which is a good plan and was taken off to show more of the detail. The resin parts are in a ziplok bag, and the rest of the more delicate acetate, PE and decals are ion their own bag, protected by the card that the acetate is stapled to. The main body is cast as a single part, with the roof and windows added as separate parts after installation of the seat backs, steering wheel with rod column and dashboard. The acetate windows are pre-cut to fit the apertures, but it is suggested that you paint the main colour before installing them to ease your way. The 24v power generator fits between the rear wheels, the roof (with box and warning flasher) slots in between the doors, and the windscreen closes up the front of the cab. PE windscreen wipers are added to the front, another being added at the rear once the rear screen is in place. The light clusters are upgraded with PE parts, and a cluster of wing mirrors are also PE parts, which would benefit from a coat of Molotow Liquid Chrome to replicate the mirrors. A multi-loop towing hook is fitted to the front and rear with its pin, the wheels and their hubs attach to the moulded-in stub axles on each corner. When the rear screen is inserted, an L-shaped mesh panel is fitted over it, and grilles over the light clusters protect them from damage. The final PE part is a short upstand on the right side of the rear deck, which makes up a stowage area. Markings If you are painting your tractor as a British machine, yellow is the only colour, but other operators tend to favour NATO green, if you are going off-piste for your markings. The decals are well-printed and include the chevrons for the bumpers, number plates and a pair of RAF and RN logos that are applied to the lower side of the doors. Conclusion The inclusion of everything you need to build the model barring the paint and glue is a big plus-point for any VideoAviation kit IMHO, and this one is no exception, even down to the detail of the crew step that has a tiny PE insert. The positioning of the pour stubs is sensible, and preparation shouldn't be too difficult, even for the novice resin user. As usual with resin, take the precaution of wearing a mask when cutting or sanding resin, as the tiny particles are harmful to your health if breathed in. Washing the parts in warm water will also improve the adhesion of paint, as there may still be some moulding release agent on the parts when you receive them. Casting is excellent, although a couple of small bubbles were present on my sample's seat backs, but as they won't be seen, clean up won't be too onerous. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

USN Deck crew Videoaviation 1:32 The latest releases from Videoaviation.com are these sets of figures and equipment. Two sets are of US Navy, one with modern figures and a trolley filled with metal cases, the other from the Vietnam era with two figures and a trolley filled with what look like bomb fuses. The sets are manufactured in the standard creamy beige resin which is really well moulded and detailed. [187232] US Navy Deck Crew Maintenance – This set contains two figures, one kneeling, one standing, both with separate arms, heads and a pouch for the kneeling man. The kneeling figure also has a speedy drive for opening up a panel. The set also includes a twelve piece Aero 12C trolley which includes two small and three large metal boxes as load. ; [187532] US Navy Deck Crew Vietnam – This set contains two figures, both standing, one with both arms and head separate, who is meant to be holding a fuse in his hands and one with just one separate arm and separate head. The set also includes a nine piece trolley which includes two pallets of bomb fuses as a load. The chap with the fuse is meant to be a red shirt ordnance man, while the other is a green shirt, maintenance man. 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 crews and equipment will be especially useful, just add your model with a bomb trolley, and bombs with their fuses removed for that great looking diorama. Review sample courtesy of