1:48 F7F-3 Tigercat wheels - for Monogram

Resin wheels Grumman F7F-3 Tigercat 1:48 (CMK)

This set from the Czech manufacturer CMK is not a kit in its own right but a detail accessory — precisely cast resin wheels intended to replace the plastic parts in the kit of the twin-engine Grumman F7F-3 Tigercat fighter from Monogram in 1:48 scale. The resin castings bring a finer tire tread pattern and sharper hub definition than the injection-molded parts.

The real subject

The Grumman F7F Tigercat was an American twin-engine carrier fighter of the end of the Second World War. The F7F-3 version was among the more powerful variants and the machine served as a fighter and in the attack and night roles alike. The rugged landing gear carried a heavy twin-engine airframe, so faithful wheels do the look of a model good.

Usage tips

Wash the parts in lukewarm soapy water to remove the mold release agent. Cut off the casting blocks, clean up the surfaces and protect your airways when sanding resin. Glue with cyanoacrylate glue. Paint the tires a flat dark gray and the hubs according to period photographs.

Who the set is for

• modelers building the F7F-3 Tigercat in 1:48 scale
• anyone after more faithful wheel detail than the plastic parts give
• modelers with experience of working with resin parts

The set contains only the resin wheel parts; it is not a model in its own right and contains neither glue nor paints. A matching basic plastic kit is needed to use it.