1:32 A/S32A-31A

The real subject

The designation A/S32A belongs to American ground equipment which serves to handle aircraft, that is to the tow tractors with which machines are moved where they are not meant to get under their own power. On an aircraft carrier that means movement between the deck, the elevators and the hangar; on land bases, moves between the apron and the shelters. The shape of such vehicles is subordinated to that: a low silhouette so it passes under a fuselage and a wing, a short wheelbase for turning in a tight space and a robust hitch for the tow bar. The number after the dash tells the individual pieces of equipment within the same line apart.

Where the model suits

In a display case ground equipment tends to be overlooked, but beside a model of an aircraft it does great service: it gives the scene scale and action. Without it even a carefully built machine looks like an exhibit on a base; with it, like an aircraft in the middle of operations. The 1:32 scale is large, so the vehicle stands out on its own as well and there is room on it for proper weathering.

Building and painting tips

• Before painting, wash the parts and let them dry perfectly; paint does not hold on a greasy surface.
• Put small parts down in a dish; they are easily lost on the workbench.
• Glue the wheels and axles on a flat surface, so the vehicle stands on all its wheels.
• Ground handling machinery tends to be scuffed and oily, and weathering on it will take a bolder hand.
• Check the color rendition and the markings against photographs from the period you are building.
• The assembly procedure and the suitable glue are given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Terms of supply

Paints, glue and tools are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise. The scope of the package and the assembly procedure are given in the manufacturer's instructions.