1:48 ROCAF Modern flight crew Vol-01 for AT-3

Figures of a modern ROCAF flight crew in 1:48 scale, the first part of the range

This is not an aircraft model but a set of figures. Freedom Model Kits offers it as an accessory to models in 1:48 scale, specifically to the AT-3 aircraft. The figures represent the flight crew of the Republic of China Air Force in current equipment, that is in a flight suit, with a helmet and with an oxygen mask. The designation Vol-01 means that this is the first part of a range followed by further sets with other kinds of personnel.

Why figures with a model

A figure beside a model does two things at once. It gives the viewer a sense of scale, so it is immediately clear how large the aircraft really is, and it turns a static model into a scene. With trainers that works particularly well, because a crew beside the machine is a routine part of flight line work.

Building and painting tips

• Paint the figures separately from the aircraft and place them into the model only at the very end.
• On faces a sequence from a base skin tone through a darker shadow in the recesses to a lighter highlight on the raised areas works well.
• Leave the flight suits matte; a gloss suits the helmet and the visor instead, and the contrast between the two surfaces brings a figure markedly to life.
• Paint the straps, the buckles and the small badges with a fine brush only once the base color has dried, as correcting them is then easier.
• If you are placing a figure in the cockpit, check the seating dry before you glue anything.

Who the set is for

• For modelers building aircraft in 1:48 scale who want to complete a model with a crew.
• For builders interested in the hardware and the operations of the Republic of China Air Force.
• For creators of display scenes and flight line vignettes, where figures are essential.
• For modelers who want to try painting figures on a smaller number of them.

The figures are supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and the aircraft model are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.