PlusModel was established in 1990 in the Czech Republic. Their product range is primarily made up of 1/35th scale resin kits, conversion sets, and accessories which are vacuum cast from polyurethane resin.

A new addition to their line is a set of resin wheels for the 1/72 Williams Brothers C-46 Commando kit. Each wheel is individually cast along with an outside hub cover, and a tail wheel, on casting blocks. The tires are appropriately flattened, but the tail wheel is independent of the support assembly. Some minor surgery of those kit parts will be necessary.

Some years ago, I spent many hours sanding down and re-scribing my classic C-46, and then assembling and painting it to represent a USN - Marine R5C-1. The starboard prop assembly fell victim to a nocturnal feline attach somewhere over the years, and I was looking to order a replacement set of B-26 four-bladed props, which were the closest thing I could find. About the time I had some spare modeling time to make the switch, a set from Plus Model Aero Line came available for review, along with these wheels. Might as well get some new shoes to go with the new props, right?

There were no instructions provided in my sample. However, assembly is pretty straightforward and simple, for those familiar with resin replacement wheels. Remove the parts from their resin sprues. Clean up any flash or casting seam lines. I suggest painting before assembly. Once painted to match your references (mine received Tamiya tire black, and Testor’s MME steel on the rims and hubs), use CA glue to attach the parts. The appearance is far superior to the kit wheels. I drilled out both the gear leg boss and the wheel hubs to receive a piece of metal wire to help hold things in place while glue sets up.

This is an excellent and easily installed wheel set that will enhance the realism of your 1/72 Williams Brothers C-46 Commando. Very highly recommended.

Thanks to the IPMS Reviewer Corps and PlusModel for the opportunity to review this item.