1:48 T-38A/C Talon wheel bay

Aires T-38A/C Talon wheel bay in 1:48 scale

A resin landing gear bay set from Aires. It replaces the gear bays of a plastic kit with a more accurate casting carrying deeper definition of the walls, the ribs and the piping, which are often simplified where the gear retracts. It is an accessory for more experienced modelers, built into a base model of the T-38 Talon in the A and C versions in 1:48 scale.

The real subject

The Northrop T-38 Talon is an American two-seat supersonic jet trainer. The T-38A and T-38C versions differ mainly in equipment and modernization; both serve for advanced training of jet pilots. The aircraft is slender and light, with a tandem crew arrangement.

Building and painting tips

First wash the parts to remove any mold release agent, cut off the casting blocks and clean up the mating surfaces. Bond with super glue (cyanoacrylate) and protect your airways while sanding resin. Lay down a primer before painting; emphasize the depth of the bay with light shading and a well-chosen shade.

Who the set is for

• For builders of a T-38A or T-38C Talon model in 1:48 scale
• For modelers who want detailed landing gear bays
• For more experienced builders used to working with resin
• For collectors of aviation detail

This is a resin accessory for a kit, not an airplane model. It is supplied unassembled and unpainted; the base model, glue and paints are not included in the package.