Videoaviation Modern RAF/RN Tractor - 1:72 Videoaviation

[Paul A H]

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