Model aircraft displayed wheels down are susceptible to damage from the weight of the model on the plastic landing gear. There have been many after market solutions and among the leaders is Scale Aircraft Conversions from Royse City, Texas, who have been answering modelers’ prayers 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 V-22 Osprey first took flight in 1999 and there are currently 400 Osprey aircraft in service. Models of the V-22 Osprey are represented in various scales, with this white metal landing gear set in 1/48 scale. This set is manufactured for the Hobby Boss kit (No. 81769). As a ground pounder, I have a deep affinity for aircraft that support ground combat operations. And while I don’t have the Hobby Boss kit in my stash, there is the Italeri kit (No. 2622).

The Scale Aircraft Conversions MV-22 Osprey Landing Gear (HB), Stock Number 48397, consists of six items in their distinctive plastic bubble and cardboard packaging: two to replace the tail gear and four to handle the struts and retraction arms in the main gear areas. These are swap, replace and drop in holes with glue parts. It is that easy.

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. This is a value for the money, especially as you don’t have to worry about the heavy plastic weight causing a landing gear failure after the beautiful Osprey is built.

Profuse thanks to Scale Aircraft Conversions (https://scaleaircraftconversions.com/homepage.cfm?sr=1) and IPMS-USA for providing the review sample.