Detail Set for StepVan 1970s-1990s USAF Flight Crew Vehicle Model

There is a 1:72 scale plastic kit (Hasegawa # X7207) that contains parts to build a Chevrolet StepVan flight crew vehicle frequently seen on USAF air bases as well as on some Naval and Marine Corps Air Stations throughout the 1970s and until the 1990s. Although well moulded, this kit could benefit from additional fine detailing.

Therefore, we present a detail set intended for those who wish to get more from the aforementioned plastic kit. This 1:72 scale resin and photoetched metal set, made by F4Models (cat. # 7030), contains correctly shaped "no mask" wheels, dashboard, finely etched radiator grille and windshield frames, rear view mirrors, windshield wipers and badges.

This detail set is for experienced modelers only, as applying it will require careful removal of certain details from the base kit.

Here is my StepVan built using this set:

For reference purposes, here are some historic photographs that show USAF (link, link, link) and U.S. Navy (link) vans in action.

USAF 1950s Aircraft Start Unit Model

This purpose-built aircraft start unit (Type A-3) has been in service with the U.S. Air Force throughout the 1950s, and in particular during the Korean War. It has also found its way into Air Forces of several NATO countries.

The 1:72 scale model kit, produced by F4Models (cat. # 7028), contains resin parts to assemble two compete start units. The model will fit nicely into an air base diorama accompanying such aircraft of that era as the F-80 Shooting Star, F-84 Thunderjet / Thunderstreak, RF-84 Thunderflash, F-86 Sabre, F-89 Scorpion, F-94 Starfire, B-45 Tornado, B-47 Stratojet or T-33 Shooting Star.


Here are some historic photographs that show this type of power unit in action: link, link, link, link.
In the field the unit was sometimes used to power up U.S. Navy aircraft as well: link.

USAF 2000s Flight Line Tow Tractor Model

This flight line tow tractor (FLTT), based on Dodge Ram truck, was in service with the USAF throughout the late 1990s and 2000s. It was used for pulling various carts and not self-propelling ground support equipment on U.S. air installations around the world, including those in Europe, the South-West Asia and the Far East. Note that this tractor is not designed to tow aircraft.

The 1:72 scale model kit is produced by F4Models (cat. # 7023) and includes resin parts, clear parts, photo etched parts, decal and instruction sheet.

Some photographs of the real vehicles in action: link, link.

U.S. 1940s-1950s Aircraft Maintenance Crane Model

During the Second World War and the Korean War years the U.S. armed forces, including the USAAC / USAF, the Navy and the Marine Corps, used this type of crane for performing maintenance on their aircraft based in theatre. Having no motors, these cranes have been manually operated and employed to handle bulky items like aircraft engines and propellers.

This 1:72 scale model kit is from F4Models (cat. # 7029). It is entirely photoetched metal. To complete the kit, a modeller will need thin wire or thread to imitate the crane's rigging.

A photographs showing a USMC crane in action in Korea: link.

USAF 1994-2000s Utility Pickup Truck Model

This type of Dodge Ram pickup truck was in service with the U.S. Air Force since 1994 till late 2000s. It was used for various utility roles on U.S. air installations around the world, including those in Europe, the South-West Asia and the Far East. As civilian, the vehicle enjoyed a widespread use in the Unites States as well as in some other countries.

This 1:72 scale model kit is from F4Models (cat. # 7021). The kit contains photo etched parts and clear parts. Decals are provided for USAF and civilian vehicles.

Here is a good photo showing a civilian vehicle.

USAF & U.S. Navy 1950s Utility Pickup Truck Model

This type of Ford F-1 pickup truck was in service with the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy throughout the 1950s. It was used for various utility roles mostly on the Continental U.S. air bases.

This 1:72 scale model kit is from F4Models (cat. # 7020). The kit contains resin, photo etched and clear parts. Decals are provided for three versions: USAF, U.S. Navy and civilian.

Some photographs of the real vehicles: U.S. Navy, USAF, Civilian 1, Civilian 2.