A newer addition to Scale Aircraft Conversions ever-expanding line of metal landing gear is this set for the Airfix 1/48 scale Supermarine Walrus.

Like most of SAC’s sets, this is meant as a drop-fit replacement for the kit’s plastic landing gear. The set comprises of both main gear legs and the tailwheel (with accompanying fairing). All are made of sturdy, white metal.

I could see no appreciable difference in the detail between the kit items and those in this set. They look to be almost exactly the same. If anything, I believe the SAC details were a bit softer than the kit items.

I will say the SAC gear is considerably stronger than the kit plastic. The Walrus is a big and somewhat hefty model, so the additional strength might come in handy. I haven’t heard of any issues with the Airfix landing gear, but that is really the only advantage over the plastic parts that I can see in this set.

I would classify this in the “nice, but not necessary” category. These aren’t cheap, so I would rather spend this on a gear set for a kit that really needs it. SAC offers many sets for kits that really DO benefit from the metal gear. Unfortunately, I don’t really see this as that situation.

I would like to thank SAC for the review set, and to thank IPMS for allowing me to review it.