Packaging and Product

The sample review I received came in nicely packed black box with labeling and full instructions. It was also well packed in foam to prevent damage. There are five (5) 3D printed parts in assembly cages, six [6] 3D printed parts of the wheel hubs and three (3) resin poured wheels, and a bag containing a metal rod and tube. The printed resolution of the landing gear is tight and very detailed! There are a few tiny details throughout the entire 3D print and some careful painting and contrast weathering will make them come to life!

Review Process

I separated the tires from the pour stubs by using a hobby knife blade & fine sprue cutters. I recommend you be very careful and study the instructions [very helpful] and the parts before cutting so to avoid damaging any of the details. I removed the 3D parts by cutting it away from the cage and supports using fine sprue snips [Tamiya 74035 Sharp Pointed side cutter]. This is the most critical stage of the process. One needs to be careful not to take too much off the parts and to remove the supports ONLY. Take your time and study the parts and instructions and you should be fine. Watch out for the delicate nature of some of the supports connecting to the hydraulic lines and electrical harnesses. I cleaned all parts with my trusty Polly-Scale Plastic Prep & Isopropyl Alcohol to remove any mold release agent and resin dust.

The metal pin and tube are provided for the forward landing gear. They are an insert to give it some structural strength. The oleo is also a snap-fit on the lower support and will create a strong front gear with the pin and tube.

I primed all the parts in a very light coat of Tamiya white primer. I then used a very thinned version of Tamiya flat white to finish the painting. Once everything dried I followed up with a Tamiya enamel pin wash to bring out all the detail. The excess wash was then wiped clean with mineral spirits. I painted the nose wheel front support with Testors chrome to match the exposed hydraulic areas of the landing gear. One last finishing touch was to use a gray pencil to outline the tire stencil details.

Conclusions

This is a great 3D printed set to take your Zoukie-Maru F-4E landing gear to the super detailed level and will make for a sharp display. All I would add in this set is a set of stencil decals for both main and nose gear struts, since the intended [Zoukei-Maru] kit does not provide stencil decals. I want to thank Warspite Model Company and Detail & Wonder Studios for providing the 3D printed set and IPMS/USA for allowing me the opportunity to review. Highly Recommend to everyone who wants more detail on their 1/48 F-4E…And who doesn’t want that!