First, the usual “thank you greatly” to SAC for providing this set to IPMS USA. We appreciate the continual, long-term support from this manufacturer, and it’s always a good day when a package arrives from SAC HQ.

This metal gear is exactly what SAC says it is; an improved version of the kit gear. From their website: “The Trumpeter main gear is too long. Our set corrects this problem. Also, we recommend the modeler purchase a set of ResKit wheels because they have much better detail and they lower the model by an additional 1 mm”.

Out of the box, the kit has two different landing gear options; Plastic gear parts for a standard build, incorporating brake lines and other details, (which will begin to fail over time), and a cast- steel copy of the plastic gear without the brake lines. These lines are provided for by black vinyl add-ons in a bag containing the vinyl/rubber tires for the basic kit.

SAC has cast their gear with the brake lines incorporated, along with modification to the gear strut length to address the sit of the model. Paint the lines black, AN fittings metallic blue, and be assured you have a simple, effective, and strong gear on the model.

I am impressed also by how SAC has provided information on another manufacturer’s item (ResKit) as a preferred option to the kit-provided parts. As I am using an aftermarket resin landing gear well set, I am modifying the set to accommodate the SAC gear.

If you are into the larger scale, this set is a ‘must’ as the kit item is up-front for it’s purpose as stated by SAC. To reiterate, when constructed from the box, the tail sits up too high. There is an instruction addendum added to the package showing what modification is needed to the kit wheel well to ensure the correct “sit” of the aircraft when you are complete.

As usual I am impressed with SAC’s items. They are not everyone’s cup of tea, as metal, epoxy, and CA combined with plastic complicates things, but if you are after strong gear and accuracy, this set is mandatory.

Thanks again to SAC for the review item, and the Reviewer corps leadership for sending it my way!