What’s in the Package

This conversion for the Border Models 1/35 Scale Spitfire Mk. Vb is presented in a rigid cardboard-backed blister pack with generic Scale Aircraft Conversions packaging and labels on the front and back of the packaging indicating the item details and MPN, as well as the UPC on the barcode label on the rear.

The parts replace the plastic parts provided for wheel assembly in steps 8 (K3) and 13 (S1 & S2). The wheels are still required, and there is a separate sub-assembly in the Border Models kit Step 13 (R1 & R2) and part E20 for the rear wheel. Overall, the molding is good, with superior detail on the white metal parts to a greater extent than that of the kit provided parts.

The parts maintained good adhesion with Alclad Black primer and micro filler, which will allow a nice base for the final paint coat.

If the aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm of the United Kingdom is an area of interest for you, I don’t think you’d have to look too much further for information on every aircraft used by this service since 1945 than this book. That includes fixed and rotary wing aircraft and even some prototypes. The design, development and deployment of every type used is given in significant detail as is a list of all the specifications and requirements issued by the DOD for their design. As a sort of bonus, there is also a listing of all the ships that carried these aircraft, including the helicopters on surface ships.

The photos are excellent, are crystal clear and the line drawings and charts and tables give extensive information on each type of aircraft. It is particularly pleasing that information and photos are supplied of the ships that carried these aircraft.

Scale Aircraft Conversions (SAC) has provided the IPMS reviewer corps a set of 1/48^th scale metal landing gear for the Academy F4F-3/4 Wildcat. These parts are drop-in replacements and provide a more robust landing gear set given its metal properties.

In the Package

The metal pieces are packed in a clear blister package with cardboard backing. No instructions are provided.

The metal landing gear set is used as drop-in replacements for parts B4, B17, B23, B33, and B50 and can be referenced in the instructions on step 2.

The metal used is malleable and has some give to allow for any minor bending if needed. Also, seam lines will need to be cleaned up prior to painting just like the plastic kit parts.