1:72 BLU-1A (750 lb) napalm bombs (4 pcs)

Reskit 1:72 BLU-1A napalm bombs (750 lb) (4 pcs)

The set contains four pieces of the American BLU-1A napalm (incendiary) bomb of 750 pounds, printed in resin by 3D technology. It is an armament accessory, not an airplane model: the bombs are hung on the pylons of a kit in 1:72 scale that has already been built. It is made by Reskit, a specialist in resin and 3D printed accessories for aircraft models.

The real subject

The BLU-1A was one of the American incendiary bombs used in the Vietnam War. It was a thin-walled casing filled with a thickened incendiary mixture (napalm) that burst on impact and set a large area alight. The characteristic feature of these bombs is their smooth, cigar-like shape with no tail fins: they were released from low altitude, and accuracy came from the low run-in. They were carried by attack and strike aircraft deployed in Southeast Asia, the A-1, the A-4 and the F-100 among them. Incendiary bombs of this type are a typical element of the armament on models from the Vietnam War period.

Use and fitting

• Cut the print supports and any remains off with a sharp knife or a fine saw.
• Wash the parts in lukewarm soapy water; that removes the print resin residue.
• Glue with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue); cement for plastic does not bond resin.
• Sand wet and with respiratory protection; apply a primer before painting.
• Choose the arrangement of the bombs on the pylons from period photographs of the particular machine.

Who the set is for

For modelers building American aircraft of the Vietnam War period in 1:72 scale who want realistic, sharply detailed armament instead of the soft plastic parts from the box. Diorama builders will appreciate the set too. Working with resin is easy but calls for cyanoacrylate glue and some basic experience of removing print supports.

This is not an aircraft model but additional armament. It is supplied unassembled and unpainted; glue, paints and the base model are not included in the package.