Scale Aircraft Conversions (SAC) has provided the IPMS reviewer corps a set of 1/72nd scale metal landing gear for the Airfix DH Mosquito B.XVI/PR.XVI kits. 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. There are no instructions.

Review Process

The metal landing gear set is used as drop-in replacements for parts F1, F36, and F37 for the under wing gear and G1 and G18 for the tail wheel. The kit’s remaining plastic parts are needed to complete the rest of the landing gear assembly.

The metal used is malleable and has some give to allow for any minor bending that may be needed, since there is some slight deformation when coming out of the molds. Also, seam lines will need to be cleaned up before painting, just like the plastic kit parts.

For painting, use a good lacquer-based primer coat. This will allow the final color coats a surface to grab onto when applied. Super Glue (CA) should be used to bond the metal parts to the plastic wheel bays. Also, it is recommended to remove any paint at the bonding points. This will allow a stronger bond since there is no paint to break away from the surface of the plastic or metal.

Conclusions

Overall, this is a nicely detailed set to upgrade Airfix’s DH Mosquito B.XVI/PR.XVI kits. They are drop-in replacements and will make your Mosquito more durable with metal landing gear.

I want to thank Scale Aircraft Conversions for providing the Mosquito metal landing gear set and IPMS/USA for allowing me the opportunity to review.

Highly recommended!