1:72 Douglas A-20C Boston wheels, mid

Douglas A-20C Boston, resin wheels 1:72, mid type (Armory)

This aftermarket set replaces the plastic wheels of a model of the American twin-engined A-20 in the variant matching the A-20C series. Armory divides the wheels for this family into several types according to production series, because the tread pattern and the form of the hub differed. This item covers the mid form. Before buying it is therefore worth comparing which series the aircraft you are building falls into.

The real subject

The Douglas A-20 was an American twin-engined light bomber and attack aircraft of the Second World War. It was delivered to the Allies in large numbers; in British service it carried the name Boston, and a substantial part of production also went to the Soviet Union. The machine had nosewheel landing gear, so the main wheels carry the load under the engine nacelles and, with the gear retracted, are largely hidden in the nacelle.

Working and painting

Wash the resin castings in lukewarm soapy water, which removes the mold release agent. The casting block on wheels tends to run into the contact patch of the tire, so cut with a margin and level the remainder with a file or with wet sanding paper. Keep the surface flat as you do so, so that the model does not limp once glued. It is glued with cyanoacrylate glue. Paint the tire dark gray, as pure black looks flat in a small scale. Separate the hub with a circular mask. Period aircraft suit a slight dust on the tire sidewalls and light wearing of the tread on the crown.

Who the set is for

• Builders of wartime twin-engined aircraft who want a faithful stance on the base
• Modelers who object to the soft shape of plastic wheels from a mold
• Collectors who display models on a diorama surface
• More experienced beginners, for whom a wheel is a safe way into working with resin

The set is supplied unpainted, as resin castings intended for further work. Paints, glue and the model of the aircraft are not included in the package.