SAC is an interesting company; started around the year 2010 or so, they continue to provide model landing gear and other stress-handling parts in a world that some would say at the time “has no place for them here”. I differ in this view, one of their first sets was for the Italieri S-3 Viking, and I learned they had released a 1/32 set to replace the Revell JU-88 plastic set that was notorious for breaking off the wheel axle just in moving the model around; I was sold. SAC proves itself resilient where the naysayers are proven wrong (continually, I add) in the value of these vital bits. Others make stronger brass versions, but you will pay dearly for them in my experience, and they are more difficult to install due to being too stiff. I like SAC’s choice of metals.

The Clear Prop Douglas Skyshark is an example of short run kits with Long-term viability. Exterior detailing is exquisite, and on par with other companies who respond to the market to stay viable. This is my first Clear prop kit, and I have had a great time with it. Engineering is credible and provides us with a model of an aircraft rarely modeled. Look the skyshark up for yourself on your favorite internet site; obviously taking it’s pedigree from the successful Douglas Skyraider, with an attempt to harness the power of the Allison T-40 dual engine combo. That was the error and a bridge too far technically at the time, but the Skyraider soldered on even as the new jet age crept up along the outer run of the course. The Skyshark just looks cool.

The problem inherent with most short run models is the plastic; scale-dimensions on landing gear can be augmented with Photoetch or internal wire bracing; in this kit, the entire gear is plastic with exception of two miniscule side braces on the main gear. Over time, expect the weight of the kit to overcome the initial strength of the plastic.

This is an inherent difficulty with all plastic gear; metal replacements are the solution.

The SAC set provides 16 parts, main and tail gear struts, a tail gear with integral tire (a good idea for the size), and bracing/downlock structures. Actuators are also provided, and used in this case for the open belly dive brake and the tail gear side structures as well in metal. As a bonus, SAC provides us with the four wing fold elbows; they work as advertised. But I am not a folded-wing person… so what you see is preliminary to final work.

As a sidebar, I had a minor issue with the set, and SAC responded with replacements within 3 days. THAT’s customer service.

Final verdict: Once again, SAC provides a vital insurance for your hard earned and time spent on modeling. I have recently noticed just about every model at my old workplace where I donated most of my older models (about 8 years ago) were without SAC landing gear struts; lots of sitting on the belly with broken gear next to the model on the shelf. SAC gear is the solution obviously.

Thanks again to the reviewer corps leadership and SAC for providing the gear for review. Keep building!