1:72 GRUMAN WIDGEON wheels for KPM kit

The real subject

The Grumman Widgeon is a small amphibious aircraft with two engines and retractable landing gear, thanks to which it could land on water and on a hard surface alike. The wheels of the main landing gear are therefore a prominent element on the fuselage, and detail on them is noticed at once on a model.

What the set contains

Replacement wheels for the Grumman Widgeon kit in 1:72 scale; the kit they are intended for is designated in the name by the abbreviation KPM. They are finished replacement parts, which replace the wheels from the kit with no further reshaping. Before purchase, verify that you really have the kit the set is made for, because both the diameter of the wheel and the method of mounting differ between manufacturers.

Building and painting tips

The wheels are supplied separate from the kit and are fitted with superglue; the bonded area is small, so level it before gluing and apply the glue sparingly, best of all drop by drop with a pin. Cut off the excess material with a sharp blade a little away from the part and carefully sand the remainder, so that the outline of the tire is not disturbed. Wash and degrease the parts before painting, otherwise the paint may not hold. Paint the hub and the tire separately, the tire in a dark gray rather than a pure black, and bring out the groove between the hub and the tire with a dark wash. The particular procedure for preparation is in the manufacturer's instructions.

Who it is for

For modelers who want to raise the level of the most visible part of the landing gear on a small amphibian without having to rework the kit parts laboriously.

The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.