The X-29 was built in 1984 as a test bed for the forward-swept wing concept. The result was an extremely maneuverable aircraft, but because the center of gravity was behind the aerodynamic center, the aircraft was inherently unstable. The solution was a fly-by-wire system which used a computer to make 40 corrections per second to keep the aircraft going where the pilot wanted it to go. Two test aircraft were built.

If the aircraft looks kind of familiar, the basic airframe was a Northrop F-5A and the main landing gear was from an F-16.

The Kit

Since it’s 1/144, it’s pretty simple. The parts are on 2 sprues, one for the clear parts, one for everything else. But simple doesn’t mean crude. The molding on this kit is very good, and the fit is really great. And it includes a cockpit and seat with choice of open or closed canopy, and a boarding ladder.

Originally designed as a nuclear response aircraft, the F-105 Thunderchief was always one of my favorite jet propelled fighter/bomber aircraft from the Vietnam war. Its sleek and aggressive lines and large presence were quite intimidating and left no doubt as to its mission in life. The Thud compiled a distinguished service record, flying over 20,000 combat missions by the end of the war and proving to be a rugged and capable aircraft in the Republic tradition. However, despite its durability, losses were heavy, with over 330 F-105s lost in the skies of Southeast Asia.

Osprey’s latest title in their Air Vanguard series is Republic F-105 Thunderchief. Although I refer to the Vietnam war above, it is just one of six sections of this interesting and insightful read:

SAC continues its prolific output of gear to handle the loads on our models Thanks to Russ at SAC for providing IPMS USA this set, and IPMS for sending it to me for review!

This set improves on Revell’s 1/32 MiG-29 Fulcrum A’s items in two ways – it has both main gear strut halves combined into one item, so there is no seam to fill (a bit of a swipe with wet/dry emery board after scraping the almost imperceptible mold line, and you are done), and it adds structural rigidity to a kit requiring it due to sheer size and weight. This is particularly true if you use a lot of resin aftermarket, which the Revell MiG- 29 needs to bring it up to standard.

Besides the main gear, three actuator struts and one nose gear with separate side braces are included, all necessary as previously noted.

Once again, no concern of collapsing gear within a year after I finish the model.

Highly recommended and well done to SAC for yet another winner!

Hot on the heels of the release of Kitty Hawk Models’ 1/48 F-35B is Scale Aircraft Conversions’ metal landing gear set. The set consists of 11 pieces of white metal to replace the entire landing gear structure on the F-35. There are three gear struts, three torque links, three retracting arms, and two retraction cylinders. As you can see from the pictures, the metal castings are excellent.

For review, I installed the parts on the kit (which I am in the process of reviewing) and they fit like a charm. In one picture, you can see the nose gear torque link has snapped and, thankfully, SAC to the rescue. All it takes is a little clean up and they drop into place, providing a sturdy base to the kit. You can also polish the metal where the silver parts are and leave them bare metal for a realistic look.

New to the Scale Aircraft Conversions line is a set of gear for a Revell F-18E/F. The set comes in five pieces with the three main gear and two small retraction links all cast in sturdy white metal. I included pictures of the gear with its plastic counterparts and the detail is good. One issue I have had building F-18 kits in 1/48 or larger scale is there sometimes is a tendency to sag based on the way the main landing gear are configured. The attachment points on this gear have a key the attaches it to the fuselage via three points of contact and, being white metal, this should prevent any long term issues. I included some shots of them on the Revell kit for reference and fit is very good.

One thing to note – these are for the Revell kit. They could be made to fit the Hasegawa offering but don't bother, just purchase set 48005, the correct gear set for Hasegawa kits.