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In-Box Review
148
US Navy Missile Carts
US Navy Missile Carts with 5 Weapons Officers
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by: Russ Amott [ RUSSAMOTTO ]

US Navy Missile Carts with 5 Weapons Officers
US Navy Missile Carts with 5 Weapons Officers is the latest release from Skunkmodels Workshop. The kit is contained in an end opening box with the completed model set featured in a diorama setting that includes their previously released modern carrier deck sections and what I believe is the Kinetic A-6E intruder. Diagrams of the weapons carts are included.

Contents
The contents are packaged in a single plastic bag with a separate inner wrap on the metal etch parts. The set allows for the construction of 8 weapons carts in 6 different configurations.

The sprue break down is fairly simple.

Sprue A is the various parts and segments used to modify the basic weapons cart. The contents include parts to assemble a Bomb Hoisting Unit, or HLU-196B/E, a small, gasoline engine cable hoist, as well as the various fittings for the bomb cart. The basic assembly is the Aero 58A adapter, parts 8 and 9, a semi-circular base that can be used directly as a cradle , or have parts added to carry other types of ordinance, such as the ADU-483/E skid adapter assembly, pats 15 and 16, ADU-511A/E Adjustable Weapons Adapter, parts 17 and 18, or the multiple weapon rack I could not find a reference number for, listed as parts 19 and 20. Also included is the ADU-567E wing and fin guard adapter, parts 10, 11 and 12, with ADU-514 A/E small missile adapter, parts 25. There is a large container hoist included that again, I could not find references or photos for, parts 1-7.

There are two B sprues containing the weapons cart body, which appears to be the MHU-191/M Munitions Transporter. This device is a manually operated cart with the front two wheels having drum brakes. The brakes are operated by a lever on the handle. Pulling up on the lever releases the brake, allowing the cart to be moved. The cart has a 5000 lb capacity. The cart body is molded in one piece, with the wheels, brake drums and handles molded separately.

The last sprue has the five weapons officer figures. The figures look a little thick and bulky, but I imagine that with the protective equipment they are wearing that is to be expected. Detail is somewhat soft, and two of the heads had significant sink holes in them. For the scale they are ok. They do have separate arms, and some have separate torso sections so there is some freedom of poses.

The instructions are basic line drawings. Parts are identified only by number, with no sprue tree called out. There are no assembly instructions for the figures, but each figure is in its own section with legs and torso, arms and head, and nothing complex or out of the ordinary.

The plastic is somewhat soft and brittle, so care will need to be used when cutting. I have found that sometimes it will peel a little when shaving with a sharp knife, so again, be careful. There was some flash present, but looking things over I didn't see any significant flaws other than the sink marks in the figure heads. The etch is well done. No ordinance is included as this is intended to be an accessory rather than the main presentation kit. No decals or paint guide are included.

Conclusion
The set is fairly basic but for those who want to create a modern carrier scene this should add quite a bit of action and interest.

This sample was provided by SkunkModels Workshop for review. I found it available at Lucky Model for $13.99, and with shipping included total price is $19.00, US. It may be available elsewhere, but I was unable to find it anywhere else but ebay.
SUMMARY
Highs: Nice accessory set with multiple options for the cart configuration
Lows: No paint guide, some soft molding and sink marks on two figures.
Verdict: I think this will make a nice diorama setting for modern US carrier aircraft.
Percentage Rating
70%
  Scale: 1:48
  Mfg. ID: 48023
  Suggested Retail: $13.99
  Related Link: USAF Tractor & Carts
  PUBLISHED: Apr 22, 2013
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 84.47%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 83.44%

Our Thanks to Kinetic Model Kits!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Russ Amott (russamotto)
FROM: UTAH, UNITED STATES

I got back into the hobby a few years back, and wanted to find ways to improve, which is how I found this site. Since joining Armorama I have improved tremendously by learning from others here, and have actually finished a couple of kits. I model to relax and have fun, but always look to improve. ...

Copyright ©2021 text by Russ Amott [ RUSSAMOTTO ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



Comments

This looks like a good set; I assume these carts are used on land, too. Do sailors still wear bell bottoms!?
APR 21, 2013 - 01:18 PM
Thanks for the help and the kit, Fred. Once you get the nomenclature correct, there are a lot of references available for these. I would guess as part of the Navy inventory, they would be used on land as well.
APR 21, 2013 - 01:42 PM
Thanks for the review Fred and Russ, that's another item to keep an eye out for, I can see it having a lot of use's.
APR 22, 2013 - 06:18 AM
   
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