1:72 AN / ALQ-184 ECM POD (LONG LENGTH VERSION) (3D PRINTING)

The AN/ALQ-184 ECM jamming pod in the longer version, scale 1:72

An external accessory for modelers who are building an American tactical aircraft and want to hang an electronic warfare pod under its wing. According to its name this is the longer length version, made by 3D printing. In 1:72 scale that means a clean shape with no parting line and sharp edges on the cooling covers and the antennas, that is detail which injection-molded plastic in this size achieves only with difficulty.

The real subject

The AN/ALQ-184 is an American external electronic warfare pod that follows on from the earlier AN/ALQ-119 type, and tactical combat aircraft carried it on their pylons. It was produced in a shorter and a longer version, the length of the body being the most conspicuous difference. Because the configuration of external stores varied from aircraft to aircraft and from period to period, it is worth comparing a photograph of the particular aircraft before the build.

Building and painting tips

Cut the part from the supports with a sharp knife or a fine saw and sand the marks down wet with fine paper. Apply a primer, which will show up any unevenness. The pod tends to differ in color from the aircraft and carries stencils, so apply the decals over a smooth gloss base and finally even the surface out with a matte or semi-gloss clear. Keep the weathering merely suggested: the pods were swapped often and appear in good condition in photographs. Bonding is done with super glue, and the fit should be tried dry.

Who the set is for

• modelers building American tactical aircraft in 1:72 scale
• anyone interested in electronic warfare equipment
• builders who put the external stores together from a particular photograph
• modelers with experience of 3D-printed parts

The set is an accessory for a plastic kit, which it does not replace. It is supplied unassembled and unpainted; glue, paints and the base kit are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.