1:48 F4F-4 Wildcat wheels late

Late wheels for the Grumman F4F-4

The accessory brings main landing gear wheels in the later pattern for the Wildcat model in 1:48 scale. Only the wheel itself is replaced, the rest of the gear leg stays from the original kit. The set is made by the Czech brand Eduard, based in Obrnice near Most.

When to reach for the late version

During the war both the tread pattern and the shape of the wheel rim changed on the Wildcat, so two otherwise identical fighters can have different wheels. The late pattern corresponds to the later production batches and to machines that went through repair. A photograph or a description of the particular aircraft you want to depict should decide. On machines from the end of the type's service this shape tends to be the more likely one.

Fitting and painting the tires

First check whether the axle in the gear leg matches the hole in the wheel, and shorten it if necessary. The wheel is seated so that it stands perpendicular to the ground, which is verified on a flat board. The tire looks best with a barely noticeable difference in tone between the sidewall and the tread, while the rim can take a fine metallic sheen. A little dust around the rim adds credibility to the result. Do not set the model down on a soft surface, so that the freshly painted tread does not take an imprint.

Recommended combination

• Models of later production machines with folding wings
• Builds complemented by other interior parts from the same maker
• Modelers who want a crisp tread pattern without a seam line
• Display pieces viewed up close and from below