USAF Bombloader MJ-1A (early)
Model No. 2820
Scale – 1/32
MASP – $36.95 US
Reviewed by Todd Michalak
MJ-1A Bomb Loader
During the 1950’s, United States Air Force ground crews were introduced to the MJ-1A bomb loading vehicle; also known as the ‘Jammer’. This four-wheeled truck had a 25 horsepower engine and the capability to lift 3000 pounds approximately 78 inches off the ground. While still being used today, this little helping hand on the flight-line had seen extensive service throughout the Vietnam and Gulf Wars.
USAF Bombloader MJ-1A (early)
One of Verlinden Productions latest creations is their USAF Bombloader MJ-1A (early). This is a full resin kit cast in 1/32 scale. The kit is supplied in the standard end-opening white cardboard box. There are forty-sever cream-colored cast resin pieces included in this set along with one length of styrene tubing and a small length of copper wire.
The main part of this kit, the body of the MJ-1A, is cast in one solid pieces of resin. While the bottom side of this piece will need the typical cleanup to remove the casting clock remnant, the piece is otherwise cleanly cast and free from flash.
The entire engine cover grating has been incorporated into the mold as well as the controls which are nicely detailed and close to what is seen on the original bomb loader.
The two sets of lift arms a finely cast. These parts do have the casting blocks still attached and there is casting flash that will have to be removed from the circular cutouts. The majority of the parts to this kit are for this lifting arm and all are nicely detailed and free from casting defects; however there is some light cleanup needed with regards to the casting flash.
The wheels supplied have been cast with both the interior and exterior detailing as seen on the original vehicle’s wheels. Again, these parts are still attached to their casting block but require very little cleanup once removed. There is a sag incorporated into the mold of these tires to simulate the weight distributed by the bomb loader.
Instructions
Verlinden provides a one-page instruction sheet with this Bomb Loader kit. This is a fairly basic instructional outline where there is one picture showing the parts legend a five pictures showing the installation of the parts of this kit. The numbered parts in the legend correspond to the number placement shown in the instructional pictures provided.
Conclusion
Verlinden Productions continues to provide high quality diorama accessories…the USAF MJ-1A Bomb Loader just adds to the pile of these fine accessories offered form them. The bomb loader is cast very well with only the typical casting flash present; the parts are crisp and free from air bubbles. All of the parts a nicely detailed and indicative of what is seen on the actual bomb loader used by the US Air Force.
One minor critique on the kit is where is with the screening on the main body of the kit. On the original bomb loader, the engine can actually be seen through this screening. On the kit there is no moldings to represent the engine that would be behind. I would think that it would not have been too difficult to have some basic engine shapes cast into the body of the loader and simply proved some photo etch screening to place over these areas which would bring the level of detailing up a lot. This is not a deal breaker on this kit being a great little accessory or anyone’s airfield diorama. I suppose if someone wanted to take the time to hollow out where the engine is located, build the simulated engine parts and install some aftermarket photo etch, it could be done.
All in all, this is a great little addition for anyone needing to fill a gap in their diorama and would add a great deal of eye candy to the build.
Recommended!!
Big Jon’s Scale Modelling would like to thank Verlinden Productions for providing the USAF MJ-1A Bomb Loader for review.
Please stop by the Verlinden Productions website to see this item and many more they offer!
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