Scale Aircraft Conversions continues issuing white metal landing gear for not only new kits but older ones also. In this case, set 48430 is made for the Tamiya 1/48^th scale F-84G series. This set is four parts – the two main legs while the front gear is two parts itself. Parts are made from white metal and are duplicates of the Tamiya kit parts but made of stronger white metal.

Looking at the nose landing gear, there are two parts in the kit and the SAC set. The SAC gear will require some straightening and is as nicely detailed as the Tamiya part. The layout of either will result in some work sanding around the linkages. The main gear legs are direct drop in replacements.

Testing the fit of both gear into their appropriate positions, the gear fits very well with no needed modifications. Clean up should be simple with a slight molding line appearing in a few small areas.

The thing about helicopters besides all those fiddly parts is that there is typically lots of clear parts. The Huey is a perfect example. I really dislike masking windows and canopy. This latest set from Eduard makes this a simple matter.

Printed on Kabuki tape, which takes curves really well, this set has masks for the interior windows on the door and the rest of the exterior windows and canopies. You will have to supply some liquid masking fluid.

These masks will save you lots of time and frustration. They will fit flawlessly like every other one I’ve ever used. Its nice that the interior windows on the cargo doors are addressed as well.

I try not to build a kit without canopy masks and these Eduard canopy masks are just the ticket to make it simple and easy. Thank you Eduard for these great masks.

Highly recommended

History

Developed from the delta wing Su-7 the Su-17/22 NATO code name "Fitter", the design incorporated a swing wing to reduce landing speeds. Interestingly the swing-wing was limited to the outboard portion of the wing allowing the landing gear and fixed weapon pylons to remain unchanged. Kitty Hawk has given us the Su-22 M3/4 in this boxing. The Su-22 is the export version of the SU-17 and you get no less than seven marking options for German (pre and post-cold war), IRAQ, Czech, Polish, Syria and Vietnamese aircraft. Perhaps the most memorable moment involving this aircraft is the encounter two Libyan Fitters had with US F-14s on August 19, 1981, in during which the Tomcats prevailed. Although it's not the most elegant of designs its always been my favorite cold war era Russian jet.