Scale Aircraft Conversions (SAC) has provided the IPMS reviewer corps a set of 1/48th scale metal landing gear for Airfix’s Vampire F.3/FB.5/FB.9. 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 C8, C14, C26 (nose wheel), C29 & C30 (main landing gear for F.3), and C27 & C28 (main landing gear for FB.5/FB.9). 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.

When comparing the parts to the instructions, the oleo arms are missing on the SAC parts. So, removing those arms off the kit parts or scratch-building may be necessary.

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 Airfix’s Vampire F.3/FB.5/FB.9 kit. They are drop-in replacements and will make your model more durable with metal landing gear, plus it will add some (but not all) counterbalance nose weight for the kit.

I want to thank Scale Aircraft Conversions for providing the Airfix Vampire F.3/FB.5/FB.9 metal landing gear set and IPMS/USA for allowing me the opportunity to review.

Highly recommended!