1:48 Lockheed S-3A/S-3B Viking ESM pods - AMT/ESCI and Italeri

Electronic support measures pods for the S-3 Viking, 1:48

An accessory set of underwing electronic support measures pods for a model of the American S-3 Viking carrier aircraft in the A and B versions, in 1:48 scale. It is not an aircraft model but external equipment for one. The pods have a smooth teardrop body on which every unevenness shows, so a casting without a parting line gives a considerably better result than a plastic part glued from two halves.

What it is for

• Adding an external store that the kit need not contain.
• Replacing plastic pods with a part without a parting line.
• Depicting the particular equipment the aircraft carried on reconnaissance tasks.
• Filling the underwing pylons, which would otherwise stay empty.

Building and painting tips

Cut the parts off the casting blocks with a fine saw and sand the cut surface down. Wash the resin in lukewarm water with detergent before painting because of the mold release agent. It is glued with cyanoacrylate. The smooth body deserves careful sanding with fine abrasive and a primer, because every scratch shows on it. Paint the pods separately and fit them only at the end of the build.

Who the set is for

• Builders of carrier aircraft in 1:48 scale.
• Modelers who finish off external stores and equipment.
• More experienced builders working with resin.

The set contains the pods only. Glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.