German RATO Packs

Model Design Construction &
RB Productions, 1/32 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

HyperScale is proudly supported by Squadron.com

The Luftwaffe used RATO packs on a number of bombers, fighters and large transport aircraft during the Second World War.

In partnership with RB Productions, Model Design Construction is now offering a set of two RATO packs as a 1/32 scale accessory.

This style of RATO pack is perhaps best known for its use on the Arado Ar 234, but MDC's packs will also be relevant as an accessory for Revell's 1/32 scale Junkers Ju 88 A-1. The Ju 88 A-2 variant was identical to the A-1 except for the provision for RATO packs.

A total of 16 parts are supplied in grey resin, plus a small sheet of photo-etch. The RATO packs are simply made up from a single piece for each body plus a parachute pack. The remaining delicate resin parts are for the RATO mounts. These are very finely rendered, but some care will be required to align the parts. Casting quality is perfect, while detail on all the parts is impressively crisp.

The photo-etched fret provides the straps and eyes for the parachute packs, fuell-filler surround detail plus some handy stencils for painting the various maintenance markings.

Full-colour instructions are included. These thoroughly cover construction, but I would have liked to have seen a listing of all Luftwaffe aircraft that used this barrel-shaped RATO pack.

This is another interesting and quite unique accessory from Model Design Construction and RB Productions.

Thanks Model Design Construction the review sample

Model Design Construction's products are available online from their website

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2009 by Brett Green
Page Created 14 September, 2009
Last updated 14 September, 2009

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page