Scale Aircraft Conversions has released replacement gear for the Eduard 1/48 Lavochkin La-5. Of course this set will also work with the Zvezda kit since that is what the Eduard kit is based on. The supplied items include two main gear legs, two main gear retraction struts, and one tail gear. (Photos 1016, 1005, 1018, 1020)

This replacement set will provide stronger landing gear that won’t sag over time, and is somewhat adjustable if necessary to obtain proper alignment. Even with zero previous experience in using white metal parts, this set will provide an upgrade that most modelers will have no problem installing. Scale Aircraft Conversions does not use lead in their white metal mix, so the builder does not have to be concerned with that perceived hazard.

A brief history on the F-14. The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a fourth-generation, supersonic, twinjet, two-seat, wing fighter. The Tomcat was developed for the United States Navy's Naval Fighter Experimental (VFX) program following the collapse of the F-111B project. The F-14 was the first of the American teen-series fighters, which were designed incorporating the experience of air combat against MiG fighters during the Vietnam War. The F-14 was retired from the United States Navy on September 22, 2006.

Revell surprised model builders earlier this year by announcing they would be releasing a new Stearman PT-17 in 1:48 scale. It didn’t take long for some of those on the Internet who delight in predicting things to rumor that Revell was just going to rebox the long-standing Lindberg kit. Well, the predictions were wrong. Revell has presented us with a very nice…let’s say, state-of-the-art kit that is definitely a new tooling and offers a very nice alternative to the Lindberg kit at a very reasonable retail price.