Scale Aircraft Conversions, located in Texas, is well known to be a source of high-quality white metal landing gear sets for aircraft. Visiting the SAC Home Page on the internet, SAC states that, “ We manufacture a line of white metal landing gear for 1/18 to 1/144 scale aircraft. Some sets consist of the main gear only while others include the nose gear, tail gear and/or adjacent related components. Some inaccuracies in the original kit gear have been corrected but the mounting points remain identical to the factory parts. With numerous sets we have not sought to duplicate non load bearing component parts where the factory plastic parts are reasonably accurate. “

SAC also notes that they have been in business since 1990, offering white metal and resin parts. The SAC website features a page that will help the “first-timer” to successfully install the white metal parts of the model. Look for the navigation link labeled, “Using White Metal”.

SAC gear is my go-to product for three main reasons. First, the detail on the landing gear is exquisite, equal to or surpassing that of the gear that are found in the kit. In some cases, the SAC product will include replacement parts for all gear parts found in the kit. In other cases, where the kit part is reasonably accurate and is not load-bearing, SAC does not replace such parts. Secondly, white metal parts are stronger than the plastic parts that come with the kit. On those occasions when my project is a large aircraft, I always replace the kit gear with SAC gear. SAC always makes sure that the mounting points on the SAC parts are identical to the mounting points on the kit parts. I have never found this key point not to be accurate. The SAC gear will extend the life of your model well beyond what the kit’s plastic gear can manage. Thirdly, since the SAC gear are white metal, they can be reshaped with ease after travel-damage to model contests and events has occurred. My Wingnut Wings Fokker D.VII was being packed for transport to an IPMS show when (GASP!) I dropped it while trying to place it into its travel box. The fall was only about 4 inches, but the kit gear was destroyed. I replaced the kit gear with the SAC gear and during the next contest cycle, the Fokker went on to gather some awards. The SAC gear, quite literally, saved the Fokker…..since it can’t be displayed in a “wheels-up” configuration.

Now to the current product and this “out of package” review. The SAC set is designed for the Airfix (2018 mold) Spitfire PR Mk XIV. As with all SAC gear, this gear set is contained in a clear plastic cube which is firmly attached to a cardboard card that measures 3 ¼ “x 5”. The ubiquitous Scale Aircraft Conversions logo is reminiscent of the Strategic Air Command logo. A clearly printed label at the top of the card states which aircraft kit the SAC parts are to be used upon. The reverse side of the card contains the usual admonitions about letting children play with the parts, and provides a mailing address, a phone number, and an email address, should one wish to contact SAC.

There are five parts included in this set. Both main gear struts are well-molded and feature the same mounting points as found on the kit parts, as well as mounting pins for the kit tires. There are two brackets, one to be attached to each of the gear struts. Lastly, the tail wheel is provided with the tail wheel bracket molded to the wheel, itself. There is an exceedingly small line of flash on the main gear struts. A gentle scrub with a #11 Xacto blade will remove the flash. The parts are ready for paint and attachment at that point.

Conclusion

SAC has a long record of providing gear sets which are well molded, an excellent fit to the aircraft under construction, and will add strength and durability to your model. This gear set is highly recommended due to the high quality of molding, and the strength and durability of white metal, and a reasonable price for the product. Thanks to Scale Aircraft Conversions for provided this item to IPMS/USA for review.