A06304 WWII USAAF Bomber - Resupply Set

This meticulously crafted 1:72 scale model set replicates key USAAF ground support vehicles deployed at American bomber bases in Southern England during World War II. The kit comprises four unique vehicles: the Autocar U-7144-T 4x4 tractor unit paired with the F-1 fuel trailer, the Chevrolet M6 bomb service truck with the M5 bomb trailer, and the Cushman Model 39 Package Car. With 200 components and a skill level of 2, this set enables modellers to construct a realistic airfield resupply scene, supporting the Eighth Air Force's Liberators and Flying Fortresses.

Key Features

• Four distinct vehicle types, including tractor units, service trucks, and utility vehicles
• Autocar U-7144-T 4x4 tractor unit with F-1 fuel trailer for aircraft refuelling tasks
• Chevrolet M6 bomb service truck with M5 bomb trailer for ordnance transport
• Cushman Model 39 three-wheeled Package Car for light transport duties
• 200 parts facilitating detailed assembly of complete airfield support equipment
• 1:72 scale compatible with Airfix bomber aircraft models
• Suitable for modellers aged 8 and above with a skill level 2 rating
• Authentic markings depicting USAAF ground support activities in Britain

History

In the summer of 1942, as US bomber missions commenced at airfields throughout Southern England, the support vehicles servicing their Liberators and Flying Fortresses transitioned from standard RAF equipment to specialised US Air Force machinery. Fuel trailers and bomb trolleys saw Bedfords swiftly replaced by Chevrolets.

The Autocar U-7144-T 4x4 tractor unit, along with the F-1 fuel trailer, was widely utilised by the US military from 1942 onwards, appearing on nearly all USAAF airfields in Britain. With the frequent refuelling needs of aircraft, it was common for bases to maintain several U-7144-T units at any given time, ensuring the bomber groups remained operationally ready.

The Chevrolet M6 bomb service truck played a vital role in the daily operations of USAAF bomber squadrons. This versatile 4x4 truck could carry a limited number of bombs independently but was more often used with the M5 bomb trailer. It could tow up to five fully loaded M5 bomb trailers, a necessity given the numerous missions USAAF crews undertook during the strategic bombing campaign over occupied Europe.

The Cushman Model 39 Package Car offered an innovative solution for light transport tasks across extensive airfield complexes. This lightweight, three-wheeled utility vehicle was employed for various duties on USAAF bases. Evolving from a motor scooter design, its rear single wheel powered the vehicle, allowing a small cargo box to be mounted at the front. The Cushman was a common sight on USAAF airfields, zipping between dispersals, maintenance hangars, and administrative buildings.

Together, these vehicles constituted the vital ground support infrastructure that sustained America's formidable bomber offensive, maintaining peak efficiency throughout the campaign to liberate Europe.