Airfix 1/72 WWII USAAF Bomber Resupply Set Plastic Model Kit

Airfix 1/72 WWII USAAF Bomber Resupply Set Plastic Model Kit

$61.99

Description

Description

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As US bomber operations began to take place at airfields all over Southern England from the summer of 1942, the vehicles used in servicing their Liberators and Flying Fortresses were slowly changing from the standard RAF support vehicles, to specialised US Air Force equipment... From fuel trailers to bomb trolleys, Bedfords were quickly being replaced by Chevrolets. ....

Autocar U-7144-T 4X4 tractor unit and F-1 fuel trailer. The U-7144-T was used extensively by the US military from 1942 onwards and was certainly found on most, if not all USAAF airfields in Britain, particularly in conjunction with the standard F-1 fuel trailer. With many aircraft requiring refuelling on a daily basis, it was usual for each base to have numerous examples of the U-7144-T available at any one time.

Chevrolet M6 bomb service truck. This utility 4X4 truck was capable of carrying a small number of bombs in its own right, but was more commonly used in conjunction with the M5 bomb trailer. Indeed, it was capable of towing up to five fully loaded M5 bomb trailers, which was just as well considering the number of missions USAAF bomber crews were required to undertake. The new set will also include the M5 bomb trailer.

Cushman Model 39 Package Car. This light, three wheeled utility vehicle will have been used for a multitude of light duties on USAAF bases. A development of a motor scooter design, the single wheel at the back provided the power for the vehicle, which allowed a small cargo box to be fitted at the front. Again, the Cushman would have been a regular feature on a USAAF airfield.

This meticulously crafted 1:72 scale model set replicates key USAAF ground support vehicles deployed at American bomber bases in Southern England during World War II. The kit comprises four unique vehicles: the Autocar U-7144-T 4x4 tractor unit paired with the F-1 fuel trailer, the Chevrolet M6 bomb service truck with the M5 bomb trailer, and the Cushman Model 39 Package Car. With 200 components and a skill level of 2, this set enables modellers to construct a realistic airfield resupply scene, supporting the Eighth Air Force's Liberators and Flying Fortresses.

Key Features

  • Four distinct vehicle types, including tractor units, service trucks, and utility vehicles
  • Autocar U-7144-T 4x4 tractor unit with F-1 fuel trailer for aircraft refuelling tasks
  • Chevrolet M6 bomb service truck with M5 bomb trailer for ordnance transport
  • Cushman Model 39 three-wheeled Package Car for light transport duties
  • 200 parts facilitating detailed assembly of complete airfield support equipment
  • 1:72 scale compatible with Airfix bomber aircraft models
  • with a skill level 2 rating
  • Authentic markings depicting USAAF ground support activities in Britain

History

In the summer of 1942, as US bomber missions commenced at airfields throughout Southern England, the support vehicles servicing their Liberators and Flying Fortresses transitioned from standard RAF equipment to specialised US Air Force machinery. Fuel trailers and bomb trolleys saw Bedfords swiftly replaced by Chevrolets.

The Autocar U-7144-T 4x4 tractor unit, along with the F-1 fuel trailer, was widely utilised by the US military from 1942 onwards, appearing on nearly all USAAF airfields in Britain. With the frequent refuelling needs of aircraft, it was common for bases to maintain several U-7144-T units at any given time, ensuring the bomber groups remained operationally ready.

The Chevrolet M6 bomb service truck played a vital role in the daily operations of USAAF bomber squadrons. This versatile 4x4 truck could carry a limited number of bombs independently but was more often used with the M5 bomb trailer. It could tow up to five fully loaded M5 bomb trailers, a necessity given the numerous missions USAAF crews undertook during the strategic bombing campaign over occupied Europe.

The Cushman Model 39 Package Car offered an innovative solution for light transport tasks across extensive airfield complexes. This lightweight, three-wheeled utility vehicle was employed for various duties on USAAF bases. Evolving from a motor scooter design, its rear single wheel powered the vehicle, allowing a small cargo box to be mounted at the front. The Cushman was a common sight on USAAF airfields, zipping between dispersals, maintenance hangars, and administrative buildings.

Together, these vehicles constituted the vital ground support infrastructure that sustained America's formidable bomber offensive, maintaining peak efficiency throughout the campaign to liberate Europe.

Key Specifications

  • Finish: Plastic
  • Skill Level: 2

Full Specifications

Item Length - Without Packaging (cm)12.9
Item Scale1:72 Scale
License lineProduced under licensed. (Vehicle/Aeroplane Models) the distinctive logos, product markings, and trade dress are all trademarks of The Boeing Company.
Contents (what's in the box) setsSprues & decals Cushman Model 39 Package Car: length 34mm, width 17mmChevrolet M6 Bomb Service Truck: length 74mm, width 25mmM5 Bomb Trailer: length 77mm, width 33mmAutocar U-7144-T 4x4 Tractor Unit: length 72mm, width 33mmF-1 Fuel Trailer: length 129mm, width 36mm
Number of Scheme options1
Flying Hours2

Specifications

Brand Airfix

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