Quickboost products are part of the Aires line of resin and 3D printed detail items known to many modelers over the years. One of the latest products is this set combining resin and 3D printed resin steps and ladder parts for use on the Tamiya F-14D Tomcat. Modelers with some experience with small resin parts should have no problem utilizing this set.

This set contains a total of four resin parts held on a single block as well as a single 3D printed part. The set will replace kit parts A5/6 and 24 and there is also a single-page instruction sheet included to assist the modeler in using the replacement parts. The replacement pilot and RIO steps are conveniently molded to replicate the tabs used on the kit parts, which will aid in their installation. There is an option of installing the new ladder doors with the kit extended ladder or using the replacement folded ladder.

Scale Aircraft Conversions has been around for quite some time providing excellent aftermarket options for aircraft modelers. In the case of this set released in June of this year, we have a selection of white metal parts to replace the kit landing gear strut parts from the ICM line of Hampdens. It provides a stronger, more durable alternative to the kit parts.

What’s Inside the Box

Inside the bubble plastic and cardboard container are parts to replace the main landing struts and tailwheel strut. In the comparison photo accompanying this review text, the SAC white metal gear is on the left and the kit gear is on the right. In inserting the gear wheel into the metal strut, the arms pushed away a bit, but the white metal is malleable enough to squeeze back into position. Upon installing the strut, I ran into an issue with the middle section being too long to where the two side posts didn’t reach their sockets, so I had to trim it down to get it to work.

Hasegawa first released their 1/48 A-7E in 1987 with various boxing still available today. To date it is the most accurate offering in shape and features. Where it is lacking and showing its age is in the cockpit assembly. ResKit have come to the rescue with a finely detailed 3D printed cockpit assembly which is an almost drop-in fit. Refer to the pictures that accompany this review to see the amazing level of detail on the ejection seat alone.

Scale Aircraft Conversions (SAC) has provided the IPMS reviewer corps with a set of 1/48th scale metal landing gear for Great Wall Hobby’s Su-27. 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 packaged in a clear blister package with cardboard backing. No instructions are provided.

Review Process

The metal landing gear set is used as drop-in replacements for the kit parts as noted:

• Nose Gear: E4, E13, E18, E19, E20, E23, E29,
• RHS Gear: E44, E54, E55, E60, E66, E68, E69, E77, E81, E79,
• LHS Gear: E45, E53, E56, E59, E65, E67, E70, E76, E78, E80,

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.

Scale Aircraft Conversions (SAC) has provided the IPMS reviewer corps with a set of 1/48^th scale metal landing gear for Trumpeter’s HU-16A Albatross. 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 packaged in a clear blister package with cardboard backing. No instructions are provided.

Review Process

The metal landing gear set is used as drop-in replacements for the kit parts as noted

• Nose Gear: G12, G19 and G16 (also Metal Nose Strut parts A & B)
• RHS Gear: J19, J26, and K11 (also Metal Right Strut)
• LHS Gear: J16, J21, and K27 (also Metal Left Strut)

Note: The Trumpeter kit does provide some metal landing struts as optional parts for the builder. However, SAC does provide more replacement parts in this set.