Scale Aircraft Conversions 1/32 I-16 Type 10/17 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 more than 50 landing gear sets available in 1/32 scale and is targeted for the Special Hobby or Azur 1/32 I-16 Type 10/17 releases. This set is a drop-in replacement for the kit's gear, though cast in white metal to provide stronger legs for your kit to stand upon. This set also provides some detail corrections to the gear struts as the kit struts shouldn't have torque links.

The set includes the two main gear struts assemblies including alternative torque struts, tail skid, tail skid w/ski fitted, and ski adaptors for the main gear struts. You're still on your own for the retraction cables that attach to the wheel axles.

One nice aspect of aftermarket landing gear like these from SAC is that you can 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. 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!