The iconic Messerschmitt Bf 109 almost doesn’t need an introduction as it is ubiquitous with the WWII German Luftwaffe. The E "Emil" variant was the standard Luftwaffe fighter at the start of the Second World War, and it was also the only single-engined Luftwaffe fighter in use during the Battle of Britain. The “Emil” variant was short-lived as improvements were constant, being replaced by the 109F in 1941.

Scale Aircraft Conversion has produced its famous white metal landing gear for the Messerschmitt Bf 109E-1/E-3/E-4/E-7 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 Messerschmitt Bf 109E-1/E-3/E-4/E-7 (intended for the Airfix Kit A05120, 2010 tool), Stock Number 48496, consists of three items in their distinctive plastic bubble and cardboard packaging including the main landing gear and tail wheel. These are swap, replace, and drop in the holes parts. It is that easy. While this set is made for the Airfix 1/48 A05120, 2010 tool, I also tried the landing gear on the Hasegawa Messerschmitt Bf109E-4/7 TROP (Kit No. 09110) and Tamiya Messerschmitt Bf109 E3 (Kit No.61050), and the parts 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 Messerschmitt Bf 109E-1/E-3/E-4/E-7 is sitting on its wheels.

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