Thanks again to our steadfast IPMS supporter, Ross at SAC… and to IPMS leadership for providing it to me for review. Metal gear frequently makes a difference in the longevity of your efforts in modeling, and Ross and his team are supporting us!

This set simply replaces the main and nose gear for the new Meng F-18E through Growler series. Although Meng plastic is pretty sturdy, and the kit gear will serve the purpose out of the box, the simplicity of installing metal gear on the assembled airframe with a trailing-strut arrangement is a worthwhile effort.

19 Parts include two main gear struts with extension and drag/retraction arms incorporated, and a nose gear with the catapult arm and control rods. As stated before, Meng’s plastic is admirably durable, but the landing gear is still vulnerable to gravity.

Not much to say: Build the kit, install the gear when you want. I assembled the airframe, and installed the gear with Cyanoacrylate so the kit would have something to stand on while I painted it. The pictures speak for themselves; the metal gear is a direct copy replacement for the kit items and fit with no problem.

This continues my preferred use of SAC gear on kits… Unmatched in strength, (except brass, but that is REALLY pricy) and the cost is reasonable with great performing cast white metal. Highly recommended for use on your model investment!

Thanks again to Ross at SAC for providing excellent niche market items! 10 of 10 for the SAC gear!