videoaviation.com 1/48 Hobart AM32A-86 Generator Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | June 2015 | Manufacturer | videoaviation.com |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Hobart AM32A-86 Generator | Scale | 1/48 |
| Kit Number | 130548 | Primary Media | Resin |
| Pros | Easy build, nice details | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (Euro) | 12.00€ |
First Look
videoaviation.com is back with another nice release. This time we have a modern US Air Force Hobart generator used to power aircraft on the ground for maintenance, pre-flight checks, and sometimes to provide starting power. The Hobart produces 28 volts DC and 120 volts AC at 400Hz. We used to have these to power up our aircraft and get cockpit systems ready before starting our internal APU and later the engines. We also had Hobart's big (huge!) brother to power up the mission systems at the same power levels but with significantly more wattage (kVA).
This set is cast in gray resin and consists of 15 parts plus a sheet of acetate for the instrument panels. A set of decals provides essential stencils and markings for the typical generator. The instructions recommend painting the Hobart green or gray but you'll also find these in yellow as well. Check your references.
This unit will look ideal next to nearly any modern combat aircraft as these generators are used at USAF and Air National Guard stations around the world as well as with other international air arms. Most US and allied aircraft use the same power connector to allow generators like this Hobart to power transient (visitor) aircraft, and if you've looked at some of the MiGs at various air museums, even they have power connectors for the US/NATO generators as well as for their own. This unit is available in 1/48 and 1/72 scale, hopefully videoaviation.com will also release this in 1/32 as well.
You can find out more about this kit and their other upcoming offerings here: videoaviation.com.
My sincere thanks to videoaviation.com for this review sample!