1:48 Yak-7/9, La-5/7, LaGG-3, I-185, MiG-3 Wheels under load

The real subjects

The list in the name brings together Soviet fighters of the Second World War: the Yak-7 and Yak-9, the La-5 and La-7, the LaGG-3, the I-185 and the MiG-3. The aircraft came from different designers and differed in engine and armament, but their landing gear wheels were similar enough for a single set to cover them all. On these aircraft the wheel retracted into the wing and carried the main part of the weight of the machine when parked.

What the set offers

Replacement wheels in 1:48 scale with a flattened contact surface. The flattening is the only difference from a perfectly round wheel out of the box, but it is exactly what decides whether a finished model stands on its base or looks as if it were hovering above it. This item carries the number RA48-03035, so compare the designation when ordering; the range also has a set with a very similar application under a different number.

Building and painting tips

Cut the excess material away with a sharp blade a little way from the part and sand the rest so that the outline of the wheel stays round. Wash and degrease the parts before painting. Choose the glue according to the material of the part; for parts that are not polystyrene, cyanoacrylate glue has proved itself. Before gluing, fit the wheel on dry and turn the flat toward the ground, then stand the model on a flat board and check that it rests on both wheels at once. Paint the tire dark gray and separate the hub with a mask.

Who it is for

For modelers of Soviet fighters in 1:48 scale who want to put a finished machine on the ground. Paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.