PanzerArt RE24-812 RS-12M1

The real subject

The RS-12M1 Topol is a Russian mobile missile system whose carrier is a heavy multi axle vehicle. It is precisely the wheels of such a giant that are striking on a model: there are many of them, they stand in one row side by side and the eye notices them before anything else under the hull. A tread that has not come off well, or seams on the sides of the tires, therefore lowers the impression of the whole model.

What the set contains

Replacement road wheels which take the place of the parts from the kit. Replaced wheels tend to be the main reason an accessory set is bought: the tread and the lettering on the sides have sharper definition on them than on parts divided into two halves, which moreover call for sanding down a joint running around the whole circumference.

Building and painting tips

Cut the surplus material off with a sharp blade a little away from the part and sand the remainder carefully, so that the seating surface stays flat. Then wash the wheels and degrease them, otherwise paint holds badly on the smooth surface. Cyanoacrylate suits joining them. Do not paint the tires pure black; a dark gray shade comes across more faithfully in scale. Spray the rims separately and handle the transition by masking. At the end a light dusting of the lower parts comes in useful, which settles the wheels into the terrain. Before the glue dries, stand the model on a level board, so that all the wheels come down and the finished piece does not stand on three points.

Who it is for

For modelers whom the shape or the definition of the wheels in a kit does not satisfy and who want to exchange them for a workshop made piece. Paints, glue and tools are not part of the package, unless stated otherwise.