1:48 Lockheed S-3A/B Viking Bomb bay (Italeri)

1:48 Lockheed S-3A/B Viking, bomb bay from Metallic Details

This is not an aircraft kit but an extensive resin accessory. The set replaces the weapons bay area on a model of the S-3A/B Viking carrier-based aircraft in 1:48 scale with a finely cast interior that can be displayed open on the finished model. Working with resin and the need to cut into the plastic make it an accessory for experienced modelers. The set is designed for the Italeri kit.

The real subject

The S-3 Viking was an American carrier-based aircraft with a pair of turbofan engines in pods under the wing, a high-set wing and a four-seat cockpit. It served above all for patrol and anti-submarine work and carried its weapons and equipment in an internal bay in the fuselage, which is exactly the area this set concentrates on. The S-3A and S-3B versions differed mainly in their equipment and in the development stage of their systems.

Fitting and painting tips

First check by dry-fitting how much plastic has to be removed and mark the cuts in pencil. Cut in small steps with a razor saw or a file and true the edge up by sanding, not by force. Wash the resin parts in warm water with detergent so that the mold release agent is removed from the surface, otherwise neither primer nor paint will hold. Cut the casting blocks off with a saw and, when sanding resin, work wet and wear respiratory protection, as resin dust does not belong in your lungs. Glue with cyanoacrylate, ideally a gel type, which gives time to seat a large part. Paint and shade the inside of the bay before you close it in with the fuselage structure, as many places will be out of reach later.

Who the set is for

• Experienced modelers used to resin and to cutting into plastic parts
• Builders of US Navy carrier aircraft in 1:48 scale
• Those who want to display the model with the weapons bay open
• Modelers who are bothered by a closed, empty space in the fuselage of a display model

This is a resin accessory for building a model, not a standalone model. The base kit, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.