Brengun 1/144 MD-3 US Navy Tow Tractor (Early Version)
By Matt Bittner
The US Navy MD-3 Tow Tractor was first introduced in the 1960s. It was able to drive under the nose of most naval aircraft and was larger and heavier than its predecessors. This was so it could cope with the heavier and larger aircraft of the time. It appears it was phased out in the 1990s, being replaced by the A/S-32A-31-A on the deck and the SD-2 version in the hangars.
Brengun has released the MD-3 "Early" in 1/144 and it could be used as either a stand-alone model, or to complement any US Navy aircraft in the era of the 1960s-1990s. Use it as a diorama addition or just sitting on the shelf amongst your US Navy aircraft of that era.
There are two tractors in the box and each consists of eight pieces of resin and a photoetch fret with eleven pieces. The resin is for the main body, all wheels and tires, the back-end tow brace and two tow hooks. The photoetch is used for what appear to be hand-holds around the body, the steering wheel, instrument cluster, foot pedals and stick-shift. Decals – appearing to be in register and nicely printed – are mostly generic numbers plus stenciling and hazard markings on the bumpers in front and back, and on the sides. Unfortunately the kit came with only one set of bumper-decals so you'll need to paint these to finish the second kit.
It shouldn't take long to finish these tractors to display. The tractor was either white or yellow overall with a black or dark grey top. Most of the other details are black.
If you're looking to display a US Navy aircraft on a faux aircraft carrier deck and want it to appear to be towed, and that aircraft is from the 1960-1990 era, then by all means pick up this MD-3 tow tractor from Brengun. It will look great sitting next to your model.
Huge, huge thanks to Brengun for allowing me to review this tow tractor.