1:48 F-14B/D Tomcat weighted wheels

F-14B/D Tomcat weighted wheels 1:48 (Wheelliant)

An accessory resin set of wheels for a model of the F-14B/D Tomcat in 1:48 scale. The Wheelliant brand belongs to the Aires family and specializes in wheels. It is not a model of an aircraft but replacement parts: hubs and tires that are weighted, that is with the contact patch flattened as though the wheel were carrying the weight of a parked aircraft. The castings have a clearer tread pattern and sidewall markings than the plastic parts from a kit.

What weighted wheels are for

A perfectly round plastic wheel looks unnatural on a parked model, because a real tire always flattens under the weight of the machine. A weighted casting has a flat contact patch and slightly bulging sidewalls, so a model on a base looks heavier and more convincing at once. On a carrier fighter as heavy as the Tomcat was, this detail is clearly noticeable.

Building and painting tips

First wash the parts in lukewarm soapy water because of the remains of the mold release agent. Cut the casting blocks off with a fine saw and sand the surface with respiratory protection. It is bonded with super glue (cyanoacrylate). Do not paint the tires black: a stronger dark gray with a fine dusty tint reads more truly in scale, and the contact patch can be picked out with a dry brush. The hubs are easier to paint separately and to fit at the end. When seating them, take care that the flattened part of the wheel points straight down to the base.

Who the set is for

• builders of F-14 Tomcat models in 1:48 scale
• modelers who object to unnaturally round plastic wheels
• more experienced builders used to resin
• those looking for a quick improvement with a large visual effect

The set is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.