CMK MA-1A USAF Start Cart 1:48

[Mike]

MA-1A USAF Start Cart

1:48 CMK via Special Hobby

 

 

This little cart provides the initial blast of air that begins the spooling up process of a Cold War jet engine.  The air from the small turbine inside the cart is ducted through the flexible hose attached and into the aircraft, like blowing a giant windmill!  Sat on its four wheels it can be hand-wrangled or towed by a tractor to wherever it is needed, and has been seen in various shades such as green, yellow and white.  When not in use the hose is usually draped around the top of the cart, and while in use, the two panels on the top are set to their raised positions.

 

The Kit

This is a new resin kit from Special Hobby's resin arm, and arrives in a small yellow box, which is a description that you could also use for the cart itself.  Inside are a bag of smaller resin parts, the main body of the cart, a ziplok bag containing decals and a Photo-Etch (PE) brass sheet, and of course a folded A4 sheet of instructions in colour.  As you would imagine, it is a simple build, with the main body consisting of one large lump, which just needs its underside trimming flat.  The wheels are attached to stub axles and locate in depressions in the base, the towing frame fits under the front, and the arm is then fitted either flat, or raised up out of the way.  The opening hatches on the top are folded up to shape, and fixed to the deck as per the diagrams, while the instrument panel is recessed into the rear face, and has a double-sided PE cover that hinges down in use.  The hose is supplied in two pieces of resin, which you will need to heat and shape to suit your needs, which is best done with some water out of a recently boiled kettle.  Watch your fingers, and remember to pin or tape the parts to shape while they cool off, using cold water to speed the process.

 

 

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.

 

Markings

A small sheet of decals are included for the various stencils and corner markers, and the cart is shown painted yellow, although the other colour options could equally be built by checking the few references out there.  Decals for the instrument panel are clear, registration, colour density and sharpness are good, with a nice thin carrier film.

 

Conclusion

With plenty of scope for beating up the paint-job, this should be a quick and satisfying project that adds both scale and a more candid nature to any Cold War jet model display.  An easy build should make it quite appealing to even the resin novice.

 

Very highly recommended.

 

Review sample courtesy of