The iconic Mitsubishi A6M Zero was the Imperial Japanese Navy’s primary carrier-based fighter plane from 1940-1945. Over 10,000 of these ubiquitous fighters were produced, with the A6M5 Type 0 Model 52 being the last and most effective model. Scale Aircraft Conversion has produced its famous white metal landing gear for the A6M5/5a Zero in 1/48 scale. As aircraft modelers well know, aircraft models displayed on their landing gear are susceptible to damage from the weight of the model, especially on styrene landing gear.

Scale Aircraft Conversion has had the solution since 1990. Their white metal landing gear is designed to bear the weight of the model and complement the detailed non-load bearing plastic parts. Their extensive range covers white metal landing gear from 1/144 to 1/18 scale aircraft.

The Scale Aircraft Conversions A6M5/5a Zero Landing Gear (FM – Fine Molds), Stock Number 48489, consists of four items in their distinctive plastic bubble and cardboard packaging consisting of the main landing gear, tail wheel and what appears to be the radio antenna. These are swap, replace and drop in holes with glue parts. It is that easy. While this set is made for the Fine Molds 1/48 IJN A6M5 Carrier Fighter Zero Model 52 (Nakajima Prod.) (Kit No. FZ02) and the IJN A6M5a Carrier Fighter Zero Model 52 Ko (Mitsubishi Prod.) (Kit No. FZ03), I also tried the landing gear on the Hasegawa Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero Fighter (Zeke) Type 52, and it fit like a glove as well.

As you can see from the photos, the white metal parts are complete replacements, are very sturdy, and hold up well compared to their plastic kit counterparts. One of the main landing gear legs was assembled with the gear door and one without showing the details.

This is value for your well-earned money, especially as you don’t have to worry about the heavy plastic weight causing landing gear failure after the beautiful A6M5/5a Zeke is sitting on its wheels.

Profuse thanks to Scale Aircraft Conversions and IPMS/USA for providing the review sample.