VideoAviation USN Deck Crew Set (201748) 1:48

[Mike]

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

[Julien]

They look very good, I can see why you kept them now