New in Special Hobby's CMK range is a 3D-printed RAF "trolley acc" with an aircraftman. Rowan takes a look.

A crucial piece of equipment on RAF airfields from the 1930s through WWII and beyond was the  Trolley Accumulator, basically a bank of batteries used to provide electrical power to start aircraft engines. Several types can be seen in period photos. The one in this kit has perforated wheel hubs.

CMK's 3D-printed kit arrives in a blister pack with a card backing and includes the "trolley acc" itself and a groundcrew figure.

The accumulator is printed in tan resin and comprises five parts. It's protected in transit by a printed "cage" and supported on a myriad on fine stalks. Some parts of the trolley are quite delicate, so I'll use an RB Productions Pico Saw and a small scalpel blade to avoid overstressing anything and to reach some of the attachments.

Once that's done, clean-up and assembly promises to be very straightforward. 

The RAF "erk" is very nicely sculpted, and is printed in grey resin with several supports that have small attachments. Those to the hands and body are easily removed, while the ones under the figure's feet can be kept temporarily during painting.

The set is accompanied by a simple sheet of instructions that show the electrical cable to run from the trolley to the attachment in the figure's hand. This isn't included, so you'll need to use so soft lead wire or something similar. The instructions don't give a length for the cable, but you can use a bit of trial and error to judge that from photos.

The colour illustration on the packaging serves as the painting guide.

Conclusion

CMK's trolley accumulator set is very nicely produced and will be an ideal accessory for any RAF WWII-era airfield diorama or vignette. It would be a good set for anyone new to 3D-printed kits because it's not too delicate, so the parts will be easy to hold while you work on them.

Kit #F48405 is available now from Special Hobby - Price: 19.90 Euros

Many thanks to Special Hobby for the review sample.

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