Scale Aircraft Conversions (SAC) has provided the IPMS reviewer corps a set of 1/48th scale metal landing gear for Hobby Boss’s U-2R “Dragon Lady” Senior Span. These parts are drop-in replacements and provide a more robust landing gear set given its metal properties.

In the Package

The metal pieces are packaged in a clear blister package with cardboard backing. No instructions are provided.

Review Process

The metal landing gear set is used as drop-in replacements for parts E8 (tail wheel), E14 & F22 (nose wheel), and E7 (wingtip “pogo” wheels). The metal used is malleable and has some give to allow for any minor bending if needed. Also, seam lines will need to be cleaned up prior to painting just like the plastic kit parts.

For paints, use a good lacquer-based primer coat. This will allow the final color coats a surface to grab onto when applied. Super Glue (CA) or a 2-part epoxy should be used to bond the metal parts to the plastic. Also, it is recommended to remove any paint at the attach points. This will allow a stronger bond since there is no paint to break away from the surface of the plastic or metal.

Conclusions

Overall, this is a nice detail set to upgrade Hobby Boss’s U-2R Senior Span kit. They are drop-in replacements and will make your model more durable with metal landing gear, especially at the wingtips.

I want to thank Scale Aircraft Conversions for providing the U-2R “Dragon Lady” Senior Span metal landing gear set and IPMS/USA for allowing me the opportunity to review.

Highly recommended!