Scale Aircraft Conversions 1/48 F9F Panther Landing Gear First Look

by Michael Benolkin

First Look

Scale Aircraft Conversions (SAC) produces an impressive array of white metal replacement landing gear for a variety of models. Some of these sets correct different issues that appeared in production kits, while others are simple common sense replacements to have stronger landing gear on your model.

This release is one of many landing gear sets available in 1/48 scale and is targeted for any of the Trumpeter or Hobbycraft 1/48 F9F Panther releases. This set is a drop-in replacement for the kit's landing gear, though cast in white metal to provide stronger legs for your kit to stand upon. The set includes the nosegear strut (with integral wheelwell bulkhead which doubles as nose ballast), main gear struts and their retractiom arms.

One nice aspect of aftermarket landing gear like these from SAC is that you can almost make the change anytime, even after the kit's gear buckles for whatever reason. Unlike an aftermarket cockpit or other details that need to be incorporated during construction, you can easily extract the old styrene gear and plug in these replacements once you've got them primed and painted. The exception in this kit is the nosegear strut which is integral to the wheelwell bulkhead. Of course you can plan ahead and use them during your build-up and avoid the problems in the first place.

You can obtain SAC landing gear from your favorite hobby retailer or online hobby shop. If your retailer can't get these for you and you can't this set at your favorite online retailer, then you can get quick service from Scale Aircraft Conversions directly.

My sincere thanks to Scale Aircraft Conversions for this review sample!