US Navy Missile Carts with 5 Weapons Officers

US Navy Missile Carts with 5 Weapons Officers is the latest release from Skunkmodels Workshop. The kit is contained in an end opening box with the completed model set featured in a diorama setting that includes their previously released modern carrier deck sections and what I believe is the Kinetic A-6E intruder. Diagrams of the weapons carts are included.

Contents

The contents are packaged in a single plastic bag with a separate inner wrap on the metal etch parts. The set allows for the construction of 8 weapons carts in 6 different configurations.

The sprue break down is fairly simple.

Sprue A is the various parts and segments used to modify the basic weapons cart. The contents include parts to assemble a Bomb Hoisting Unit, or HLU-196B/E, a small, gasoline engine cable hoist, as well as the various fittings for the bomb cart. The basic assembly is the Aero 58A adapter, parts 8 and 9, a semi-circular base that can be used directly as a cradle , or have parts added to carry other types of ordinance, such as the ADU-483/E skid adapter assembly, pats 15 and 16, ADU-511A/E Adjustable Weapons Adapter, parts 17 and 18, or the multiple weapon rack I could not find a reference number for, listed as parts 19 and 20. Also included is the ADU-567E wing and fin guard adapter, parts 10, 11 and 12, with ADU-514 A/E small missile adapter, parts 25. There is a large container hoist included that again, I could not find references or photos for, parts 1-7.

There are two B sprues containing the weapons cart body, which appears to be the MHU-191/M Munitions Transporter. This device is a manually operated cart with the front two wheels having drum brakes. The brakes are operated by a lever on the handle. Pulling up on the lever releases the brake, allowing the cart to be moved. The cart has a 5000 lb capacity. The cart body is molded in one piece, with the wheels, brake drums and handles molded separately.

The last sprue has the five weapons officer figures. The figures look a little thick and bulky, but I imagine that with the protective equipment they are wearing that is to be expected. Detail is somewhat soft, and two of the heads had significant sink holes in them. For the scale they are ok. They do have separate arms, and some have separate torso sections so there is some freedom of poses.

The instructions are basic line drawings. Parts are identified only by number, with no sprue tree called out. There are no assembly instructions for the figures, but each figure is in its own section with legs and torso, arms and head, and nothing complex or out of the ordinary.

The plastic is somewhat soft and brittle, so care will need to be used when cutting. I have found that sometimes it will peel a little when shaving with a sharp knife, so again, be careful. There was some flash present, but looking things over I didn't see any significant flaws other than the sink marks in the figure heads. The etch is well done. No ordinance is included as this is intended to be an accessory rather than the main presentation kit. No decals or paint guide are included.

Conclusion

The set is fairly basic but for those who want to create a modern carrier scene this should add quite a bit of action and interest.

This sample was provided by SkunkModels Workshop for review. I found it available at Lucky Model for $13.99, and with shipping included total price is $19.00, US. It may be available elsewhere, but I was unable to find it anywhere else but ebay.