US WWII Era Parachutes

Published on
March 29, 2014
Review Author(s)
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$4.99
Product / Stock #
TD48553
Base Kit
Any US 1/48 Aircraft
Company: True Details - Website: Visit Site
Provided by: Squadron - Website: Visit Site
Package

MMD-Squadron has added a 1/48 scale US WW II era parachute to their True Details resin aftermarket parts line. The parachute is sculpted to represent a chute in pre or post-mission repose with integral pack, cushion, harness and hardware visible. It is well sculpted with an amazing amount of detail for such a small item.

This parachute would be a perfect diorama accent for any US WWII aircraft model, posed the way parachutes were typically placed on the wings or stabilizers of aircraft prior to a mission so pilots could quickly ‘suit up’ for a takeoff. Two parachutes come packaged on a blister card with a foam pad backing to protect the fragile features of the casting. They are molded in gray resin on a very thin layer of molding scrap. No assembly is required. They just need to be sanded off the small casting scrap, painted and positioned. A fresh #11 blade can then be used to carefully trim away scrap from the edges of the parachute without damaging the details.

When the casting scrap was cleaned away, I simply rinsed the moldings in warm soapy water and airbrushed a base coat of lightened Mr.Color Olive Drab (for military equipment). When that was dry, I hand brushed the straps and hardware with a variety of Vallejo acrylics (the ones for brushing). After a light coat of Future was applied, highlights were dry brushed with oil paint and shadows were accented with a wash of Davies Gray and Raw Umber WN oils. The photo below show the results.

When painted, these parachutes are very realistic and should be of interest to modelers wishing to enhance the realism of any 1/48 scale US WW II aircraft. This set is highly recommended. My thanks to MMD – Squadron for the product sample and to IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review it.

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