Tamiya

1/48 - WWII U.S. Navy Pilots w/ "Moto-Tug"

Kit Number: 61107

Reviewed by  Tim Hortman, IPMS# 19789

MSRP: : $29.00 Website: www.tamiyausa.com Tamiya 1/48 Scale Aircraft Series kit Number 107 is a re-issue of the Moto-Tug first released with an F4U Corsair kit. Now it is available on its own with some superbly detailed pilot figures. What you get in this release is the same sprue as the original issue, but with a totally new sprue of pilot figures. The sprue with the Moto-Tug is the same as with the original release - you get the tug, with driver and additional sitting pilot figure, along with several tow bars, and wheel chocks. This in itself is worth picking this set up for, as it is a great addition to any diorama or vignette. The fit of the tug is great, and it is very well detailed. No additional scratch building work is necessary. Included are tow bars for both pushing and pulling aircraft. The pilot sprue is labeled "Z" and is a slightly lighter plastic than the Moto-Tug sprue. Included here are 5 new pilot figures along with two deck crewmen. All of these figures are very well molded and highly detailed for this scale. The two deck crewmen are wearing the standard flight deck work uniforms, while the pilots are all dressed in the tropical flight gear with yellow life jackets. The two crewmen are carrying what looks like a heavy tool box or ammo crate. The five pilot figures are clustered around a map, as in a pre-mission briefing. Also included are some finely molded weapons - sidearms, and knives to make the scene more realistic. I cannot say enough about the quality of these figures. They actually do "look real" in their poses, and equipment. The fit of both the Tug and all of the figures is excellent. I used no putty at all on the seams, and only had to use a minimal amount on the injection sink marks - on the bottom of the Tug, and on the map boards. In fact, I spent far more time removing the mold seam lines on all of the figures than I did actually putting them together! Everything seemed to fall into place. The only minor downside I could find with this entire set is that the map printed on the directions is in black and white. For a more realistic scene, you would be best served in finding a color map and adding to the map board, although one could use the supplied one with convincing results. I highly recommend this set to anyone interested in adding a little realism to their next diorama, or if you just want some great looking pilots to go with your next US Navy Aircraft. Thank you to Tamiya for proving the sample and IPMS/USA for a chance to build it!