Introduction:

There are number of photos showing US vehicles in Middle Eastern theater of operations sporting spinal boards (backboards). Although traditionally used only to provide rigid support during movement of a patient with suspected spinal injury, backboards are shorter than standard military stretcher and can fit inside up-armored Humvees. Also, they are not flexible and provide more comfort to the patient, with the flat surface which does not compromise CPR efforts or aggravate cervical spine injuries.

Review:

Pro Art Models recently launched a new series of modern vehicle and diorama accessories in 1/35 scale called Eco-line. Eco-line was created as economy version of existing Pro Art accessory sets, usually consisting of smaller amount of pieces taken from these extensive sets. This review deals with one of the offerings from Eco-line series: Stretcher set (EL-35048B).

All accessories in Eco-line have several common features and one of them is packing the sets in a simple PVC bag with label instead of the usual hard cardboard box with Pro Art logo. I found no problems with this, as the set arrived without any sign of transport damage.

The set consists of three backboards in 1/35 scale. The parts are molded in cream colored resin and, as with all Pro Art offerings I have in my stash, these are perfectly cast. There is some flash residue to remove from handgrips, but I don't think this should present any problems to the average modeler.

Backboards come in various different shapes and sizes, and this set represents one of the versions often seen strapped to US vehicles. The backboard in the set is nicely designed; the complex shape is realistically reproduced in scale with handgrips well defined.

Altogether, this set delivers a very useful accessory to stow on Humvee and MRAP models in 1/35 scale.

Conclusion:

Stretcher set from Pro Art Models comprises of three resin backboards in 1/35 scale. Although backboards have been included in some modern accessory sets from various manufacturers, Pro Art now provides an option of getting these useful items separately. Realistically reproduced in scale and perfectly cast, these backboards can easily turn into a colorful focal point on your modern US vehicles.