1:32 1000 lb free fall bomb checks (4PCS)

Reskit 1:32 — 1000 lb bombs in the free-fall configuration (4 pieces)

A set of four resin aircraft bombs of the 1000-pound class, that is roughly 454 kilograms, in 1:32 scale. It is not a kit of an aircraft, but add-on armament for the pylons of an already built model. The bombs are in the free-fall configuration, that is with a fixed tail unit and no retarding device — which is exactly the feature that sets this set apart from the retarded variant the maker offers separately. On objects of rotational shape a resin casting is clearly the better choice than a two-part plastic molding: it has no parting plane along the whole length of the body and the edges of the fins stay thin and crisp.

The real subject

Bombs of the 1000-pound class are among the standard underwing armament of tactical aircraft of the second half of the twentieth century. In the free-fall configuration they are released from greater height, when the carrier has enough room to leave the area of the explosion; the shape of the tail unit with its stabilizing surfaces is therefore simple and sturdy. The particular type of tail unit and fuze differs within this class of bomb according to the user and the period of service, and it also decides how the bomb looks on a model — which is why the sets are sold divided by configuration.

Building and painting tips

First wash the castings in lukewarm water with detergent because of release agent residue from the mold. Cut the casting blocks off with a saw or a fine cutter and true the cuts up with fine abrasive paper, ideally wet and with respiratory protection. They are glued with cyanoacrylate, and a primer goes on before painting. The body of the bomb is rewarding with an airbrush — even it out in one shade, leave the stripes and lettering to decals or a fine brush, and at the end add a restrained wash into the engraved lines around the lugs. Hang the bombs on the model only after the lower surface has been painted, and on heavier castings strengthen the joint with a wire pin.

Who the set is for

• Builders of tactical aircraft in the large 1:32 scale
• Modelers for whom the simplified bombs from the base kit are not enough
• Those who want to put together a realistic underwing configuration

This is an add-on set of underwing armament, not a model of an aircraft. It is supplied unassembled and unpainted; glue, paints and the base kit are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.