1:48 German WWII Aircraft Maintenance Toolbox

What kind of accessory this is

A toolbox belonged to the kit of a ground crew just as naturally as chocks under the wheels or a ladder to the cockpit. Without it there was no working on a machine, and in period photographs it lies under a wing, on the grass beside an engine or on the bed of a truck drawn up alongside. On a model it is a small thing that gives a scene a story: a finished aircraft becomes an aircraft that is being worked on. It is an accessory in 1:48 scale.

Where to put the accessory

Best where the viewer is meant to look for work in progress: under an open cowling, by a landing gear leg, next to a ladder or on a tarpaulin spread out on the ground. An open box works better than a closed one, because it gives away its contents and draws the eye. The exact package contents, that is whether the box comes closed, open or with tools, are given in the instructions from the manufacturer.

Building and painting tips

• the choice of glue is dictated by the material of the parts: cement for plastic models on polystyrene, cyanoacrylate on other materials
• cut the surplus material off with a sharp blade a little away from the part and sand the remainder back
• wash the parts in lukewarm water with detergent before painting and let them dry out
• a dark wash into the gaps brings out the planks, the hinges and the catches better than a dry brush does
• a scuffed edge and wear around the handle do more for credibility than a whole new coat of paint

Terms of supply

The aircraft model, figures, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.