1:48 Royal Navy Tow Tractors with Crew

The real subject

Deck tractors are part of the equipment of every aircraft carrier. They move aircraft around the deck, tow them into the hangar and line them up before launch, which is why they are low, short and built for pulling power rather than speed. On deck they are handled by trained personnel who work in close proximity to turning propellers and rotors, so a scene with a tractor and people around it looks alive at first glance. For a modeler it is a rewarding accessory: it fills the empty space under a wing and gives the model a sense of scale.

What the set contains

According to the name, more than one Royal Navy tractor and crew figures, all in 1:48 scale. The exact number of tractors and figures, the material and the extent of the parts are stated in the manufacturer's instructions.

Building and painting tips

Cut the excess material away with a sharp blade a little way from the part and carefully sand the remainder. Choose the glue according to the material of the parts; cyanoacrylate will serve universally. Before painting, wash and degrease the whole thing and apply a primer on which the paint will hold. Paint the figures in stages, starting with the face and the hands and working in thin coats. Deck equipment tends to be scuffed and dirty, so deeper shading and a dry brush on the edges pay off with it.

Who it is for

The set is for modelers who are building a scene around a carrier aircraft and want to get the ground activity into it as well. It also serves on its own to bring a display case to life. The aircraft, paints and glue are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.