1:144 F-18C/D Wheels

Resin wheels for the F/A-18C/D in 1:144 scale

This set from the Czech maker Brengun is intended for swapping the landing gear wheels on a model of the F/A-18C/D Hornet carrier combat aircraft in 1:144 scale. It is not an airplane model or a complete landing gear bay: it is a targeted accessory that changes one single but highly visible detail.

Why swap the wheels for resin ones

In small scales wheels are among the parts where the limits of injected plastic show most: the parting plane of the mold runs straight across the tire pattern and the detail is lost when the flash is cleaned up. A resin casting is poured so that there is no parting plane in the visible area, so the tread and the hub stay legible even on a model that fits in the palm of your hand. Replacing the wheels also helps the model stand level with every wheel touching the surface.

Working and painting

Wash the parts in lukewarm water with a drop of dish soap so that the mold release agent leaves the surface. Cut the casting block off with a fine-toothed saw as close to the part as you can and sand the remainder wet; resin sanding dust should not be inhaled. The wheels are bonded with super glue, as cement for plastic kits does not work on resin. Apply a thin primer before painting. Do not spray the tire pure black; a dark gray with a hint of brown reads more truly in a small scale. The hub is easiest to paint separately and add to the tire at the very end.

Who the set is for

• Modelers building modern combat aircraft in 1:144 scale
• Those who dislike the soft detail of plastic wheels on a small model
• Builders of airfield and carrier deck dioramas
• Modelers who have already worked with resin and super glue

The accessory is supplied unpainted. Glue, paints and the base model are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.