1:48 F-16I Sufa weighted wheels (GY production)

The real subject

The F-16I Sufa is the Israeli two-seat version of the F-16 fighter. It differs from the basic single-seat machines in its equipment and its higher takeoff weight among other things, and on the ground that shows exactly on the landing gear wheels: the tires bulge visibly under the load and the contact patch widens. It is precisely this detail that makes a parked model more convincing.

What the set solves

These are replacement wheels for a model in 1:48 scale, which take the place of the perfectly round wheels from the kit. The bulge of the tire is shaped in from the start, so there is no sanding or other reworking to do. Within the range this set is set apart by the GY designation, which separates it from the other wheel sets for the same aircraft type.

Building and painting tips

• The parts are not polystyrene, so ordinary cement for plastic models has no effect on them. It is glued with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue).
• Cut the surplus material off with a sharp blade a little away from the part and sand the rest away carefully.
• Wash and degrease the parts before painting, or the paint will not hold.
• When gluing them on, see that the bulged part of the tire points toward the ground and that the rim stays vertical.
• Do not paint the tire a deep black; a darker gray shade looks more natural in scale.
• Check the exact way to prepare the parts in the manufacturer's instructions.

Who the set is for

The set will be appreciated by modelers who build the F-16I in 1:48 scale and want a parked model with a correctly loaded landing gear. Compare the diameter of the wheels with the parts of your kit before buying. The model itself, the paints and the glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.