US Scooter with Crew

Plus Model, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brad Fallen

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Czech company Plus Model produces a large range of resin kits, conversions and accessories, mainly in 1/35 but also 1/72 and 1/48 scales.  While most of these products are aimed at vehicle, figure and diorama modellers, the company’s Aero Line range contains a variety of 1/72 and 1/48 aircraft-related sets.  These include airframe details, ordnance, figures, and ground transport vehicles.

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Amongst the latter is this set, generically titled “US scooter with crew”.  Plus Model provides no other information about the vehicle, and my initial research drew a blank.  Thanks very much to Dan, Gary and Scott who answered my call for help on Plane Talking with some useful pointers in the right direction. 

Based on these leads it seems the kit vehicle represents a Cushman package delivery scooter, most likely a Model 39 that has been modified for personnel transport.  However I couldn’t find any images of scooters in the exact configuration depicted by Plus Model, so I’m happy to stand corrected and any further information will be gratefully received!  Regardless of the kit scooter’s make and model, Cushman vehicles saw extensive US military use during and after World War 2 and the marking options provided by Plus Model reflect this.

The scooter kit is not complex and consists of 12 parts cast in grey resin and 25 photo-etched parts.  This reflects the uncomplicated design of the real thing and should make for a relatively straightforward build.  The parts are well cast with no obvious air bubbles or other imperfections.  Attachment points to casting blocks are thin and easily dealt with by a razor saw.  There are a few wafers of flash on some smaller parts, but these can be peeled off by hand with any remnants tidied up with sandpaper.  Several of the more delicate castings were damaged during transit, with long thin parts particularly liable to snap; however, these should be relatively easy to reattach or replace with plastic rod.

Rounding out the scooter components is a small decal sheet with markings for a USAF or US Navy machine (this is not specified, but is pretty clear from the decals and painting instructions).  The decals have been produced by Plus Model and are well printed with legible, correctly spelled words.

The scooter is accompanied by two figures: a standing male pilot and seated female driver.  The pilot is a one-piece casting to which a parachute pack is attached, while the driver has been cast with a separate right arm to assist with posing her against the scooter.  As with the scooter parts, both figures are cleanly cast with crisp detail and a realistic drape to their clothing; with careful painting they should look very good.

In my view the only weak point of this set are the instructions.  These come as a small fold out leaflet, with scooter assembly called out via three black-and-white exploded diagrams.  These aren’t as clear as they might be, and to avoid confusion I’d recommend lots of dry fitting before you start gluing things together.  Driver and pilot assembly is very straightforward, but there are no figure painting instructions beyond the illustration on the front of the packaging.  The painting and marking guide for the scooter is adequate, but again could be clearer.  And as I mentioned at the beginning of the review, some background information on the scooter would have been welcome.

Apart from these minor shortcomings, Plus Model’s “US scooter with crew” is a well-produced set that can be used to add interest to a diorama or as a stand-alone vignette.  If this particular scooter doesn’t interest you it might pay to check out some of Aero Line’s other offerings, which include a standard package delivery scooter, a fire fighter scooter and two-wheel scooters with and without sidecars. 

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Plus Model for the review sample.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2015 by Brad Fallen
Page Created 22 April, 2015
Last updated 22 April, 2015

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