Scale Aircraft Conversions 1/48 AV-8B/GR.7 Harrier 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 60 landing gear sets available in 1/48 scale and is targeted for the Hasegawa releases of their AV-8B Harrier II and Harrier GR.7 series. This set cast in white metal and contains drop-in replacements for the kit parts. This set provides one-piece outrigger gear and rear bicycle main strut. What helps with the final assembly of your project is the forward bicycle strut is cast in two parts with the nose gear fork separated from the strut. This will allow you to adjust the angle of the fork after the model is completed to ensure that the model is resting on all four wheels.

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!