1:48 AN-APX TACTS POD

The real subject

Pods of the TACTS system serve during air combat training. They carry equipment that sends data on the position of the machine and on the simulated use of weapons to a ground station in flight, where the whole engagement is recorded and assessed after landing. On aircraft they appear as slender underwing pods, and for a modeler they are a rewarding accessory, because they set a machine in a particular training situation rather than a combat one.

What the set offers

It is an accessory in 1:48 scale aimed at the pod itself. The scope of the package and the assembly procedure are described in the manufacturer's instructions. Before the build, check against your own subject on which pylon and in what position the pod was carried on your machine, because the placement differs between types.

Preparing the parts

The parts are not polystyrene, so ordinary modeling cement for plastic has no effect on them; they are glued with cyanoacrylate glue, or with a two-part adhesive. Cut off surplus material with a sharp blade a short distance from the part and sand the remainder carefully, so that the shape is not damaged. Wash and degrease the parts before painting and use a primer, because otherwise the finish may not hold well. The detailed procedure is given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Who it is for

The set suits modelers who are building an aircraft in a training configuration and want to add it a store of the kind a kit does not usually have. It will also be appreciated by those who put together a larger scene with several machines of one unit.

This is an accessory to a kit, which is bought separately. Paints, varnishes and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.