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Aircraft tractor tug set - Eastern Express (14603) 1:144 scale


bootneck

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Aircraft Service Set 4 - Aircraft Tractor Tugs

 

Eastern Express 1:144

 

 

EE_14603_tugs_01_box-art.jpg

 

This kit, the fourth set in a series currently running at a series of five, contains three different aircraft tractor tugs, each with its own aircraft towing bar assembly. The first tractor tug is a GSE Europe TT 45. It is a fairly dated version of tractor tug, with twin cabs at the front and a single cab at the rear which is located on the right hand rear side.

 

GSE Europe TT45

GSE_TT_45_-_TT_50_photo.jpg


The second tractor tug is a Schopf F160, a typical tug to be found on modern airports all around the world. It can tow aircraft up to 280 metric tons, such as the Airbus A350 and the Boeing B787 etc.


Schopf F160

Schopf_160_photo_resized.jpg

 


The third tug in the set is a Schopf F396 which can push and tow the largest aircraft such as this An-225. This tractor tug is possibly the most interesting of the set as this type has been seen around military airfields in UK and operating with various types of aircraft

 

Schopf F396

Schopf_396_photo_resized.jpg

 

The Kits

 


Inside the box are three separate tug tractor kits, one each of the types described and illustrated above. The sprues are produced in a semi-rigid (not brittle but not soft either) plastic and the components are quite simplistic. This is to be expected, and possibly welcomed, as most of the parts with the exception of the wheels are angular.

Schopf F160

EE_14603_tugs_02_sprue_1.jpg


Although fairly basic, the parts should assemble quite easily; I have not yet had chance to do any test-fitting, and should allow for plenty of additional enhancing with the odd piece of plastic rod etc.

One nice feature on the GS TT-45 and Schopf F396 models is that the wheel hubs are separate from the tyres. This has got to be a real benefit, especially at this tiny scale, when trying to keep the colour separations on the wheels.

GSE Europe TT45

EE_14603_tugs_3_01_sprue_1.jpg

The Schopf F396 has parts to make two versions; one as per the photo near the top of this page (the type also shown in the RAF photo) or one with an extension unit for an additional cab fitted to the back of the tractor, as shown in figure 3 of the colour sheet further down this review.

Schopf F396

EE_14603_tugs_2_01_sprue_1.jpg

The clear sprues have sufficient glass pieces to fully glaze each kit; this is very welcome as quite a few vehicle kits in this scale are produced with solid window that rely on paint or decals for the glazing. The sprue example below is for the Schopf F160.

EE_14603_tugs_05_clear_sprue_1.jpg

 

Clarity of the clear parts is quite good however I feel that they will look much better after a dip in Klear or a similar solution.

 

The GSE TT45 has three separate cabs, two at the front and one at the rear. The Schopf F396 has on large cab at the front plus clear parts for an optional cab at the rear

GSE Europe TT45

EE_14603_tugs_3_03_clear_sprue_2.jpg

Schopf F396

EE_14603_tugs_2_03_clear_sprue_2.jpg

Each tractor tug kit is supplied with a sprue containing parts to make up an aircraft towbar. There are separate pieces to allow the towbar to be assembled in towing mode, with wheels up or with the wheels lowered.

EE_14603_tugs_06_tow_bar_1.jpg

 

EE_14603_tugs_06_tow_bar_2.jpg

 

 

Instruction Sheets

 

 


The front page is nicely detailed, showing colour marking details and decal placement locations. Each vehicle is shown in plan and profile views which will enable the modeller to paint and place the decals correctly on their finished models.

The image of the towbar shows it with the wheels lowered as when not being used for towing. The wheels would need to be raised once the towbar has been connected to an aircraft ready for towing/pushing.
 

EE_14603_tugs_08_instructions_1.jpg


The rest of the instructions are simplistic but that shouldn't be a problem as there are not that many components to fit together. The instructions are clear and straight forward, using illustrations to show the placement of parts.

EE_14603_tugs_09_instructions_2.jpg

 

DECALS

The decal sheet is, by comparison to the instruction sheet, quite comprehensive; with hi-vis bumper markings and various airline company logos. Of special note is that you can use the black decal glazing for you tractor tugs or, if using the clear glazing from the kit, you can use the decal 'frames' to be placed over the clear plastic glazing. This really must be a bonus, rather than have to paint on all those tiny window frames!

EE_14603_tugs_07_decals.jpg

 

Conclusion

 

 

The potential uses for these tractor tugs could be endless; whether using them on dioramas of civilian airports or military airfields, or even as stand alone models in their own setting. These models should enhance any airfield or airport model setting enormously.

 

Review sample courtesy of
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As the parts are virtually all flat, angular, pieces (with the exception of the wheels of course), would it not be possible to scan the parts, double the size (1:144 to 1:72) and then reproduce with plastic sheet (solid and clear)?

Mike

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