Again, thanks very much to Ross at SAC for doing the hard work for us on this gear. We at IPMS USA sincerely appreciate your contributions for review!

This is a simple drop fit for the Heller 707 or E-3 models. If you want to build the AMT/Heller/Italeri KC-135A/R with SAC gear, they provide that as item 72001. The packaging says 72072 can be used on a KC 135 as well. I did not hold them up to each other, but I’m certain they could be used for either kit. You’ll have to modify the nose gear for the KC-135, as that gear is different than the E-3 or 707; and the actuator arm for the KC-135 is longer on those kits.

Historical note once again: The KC-135 came first, not the 707. The KC is based on the “Dash 80” airframe, and is different than on the 707 or E-3, which is a larger, more robust airframe with a totally different wing and fuselage. An error made by many, including famous authors. Those of us who have worked on both know the difference.

The Aircraft

Perhaps the best four-engined bomber of WWII, the Avro Lancaster has earned its place in history as well as in the hearts of the English people. It was instantly recognized that this was no normal aircraft and the time between design, prototype and production was minimized. However, the Lancaster was competing with the Spitfire and Mosquito for the Rolls Royce Merlin engines it needed and it was feared that a shortage might develop. Instead of shifting Merlin production to the Lancaster, it was decided to develop another version of the aircraft, the Mark II of this kit, using Bristol Hercules radial engines instead. The adaptation was easily made, but performance slipped. The Mk II climbed faster and the radial Hercules engines could absorb more punishment and still run, but the over all ceiling of the aircraft was reduced and the Hercules consumed more fuel, so range and/or bomb load fell as well.

The AN-2 “"Annushka" (NATO designation “Colt”) bi-plane is brutish, rugged airplane – a throwback from a very earlier age. Central to this appearance is the large Shvetsov Ash-62 9 cylinder radial engine (a development from the Wright R-1820 Cyclone) at the end of a short nose.. Overall, Hobby Boss captures the lines of the “Colt”, except the Shvetsov ASh-62 engine, which as molded looks like an anemic Clerget from WWI. Even with the close cowl and the large four bladed prop the engine does not look right. Thankfully Quickboost now offers a replacement engine.