Many thanks to Mr. Ross MacMillan of Scale Aircraft Conversions and the IPMS Reviewer Corps for allowing me to try this neat conversion and replacement set for the new Kitty Hawk SH-2F. I am delighted to report on another sweet add-on and upgrade.

The 7 white-metal parts arrived in a blister pack, backed by the distinctive SAC company logo. The heft of the parts is very noticeable. All parts are free of sprues and require little buffing, cleanup and polishing. The gear struts of the SH-2F kit are directly replaced with the SAC parts. The main mount parts attach to the kit fuselage with no difficulty. Kit parts that are replaced by SAC parts are D 20, 21, 23, 24 and E 24, 25, 26.

Note that you will need to use kit part E 27 along with the SAC replacement for kit part E 26, the tail wheel strut. Kit part 27 is not weight bearing and easily works with the SAC part to hold the tail wheel in place.

This SAC conversion set is essentially a kit part replacement. Other than polishing and detailing a bit, the parts are ready to drop in and mesh well with the kit. The wide stance of the SH-2F puts a bit of stress on the gear. The use of the stouter metal parts will make a durable and stable gear without sagging over time. The wide-stance and sagging concern is similar to the concerns in many larger kits, although the sagging should not be severe with the SH-2F.

Robert Beach of IPMS/Hampton Roads Scale Modelers has also reviewed the SAC parts as possible replacements for the Matchbox kit. His perspective is invaluable as he flew the SH-2F while serving with HSL-34 (Green Checkers.) He has an excellent set of suggestions, references, and ideas for both working these parts with the Matchbox kit and general detailing improvements. I found his thoughts to work equally well with the Kitty Hawk SH-2F. Here's a link to his review

We often grumble about part fit, not-scale issues, and other challenges. But these parts work and work well. They provide an excellent foundation for further detailing. This result alone makes the parts worth it! I highly recommend them.

Again, my sincerest gratitude to both Mr. Ross MacMillan of Scale Aircraft Conversions and the IPMS Reviewer Corps for providing me this conversion set for review. It is a great privilege, thank you!