1:72 Northrop F-5E/F Tiger-II wheels, universal

Northrop F-5E and F-5F Tiger II, resin wheels 1:72, universal (Armory)

This set replaces the plastic wheels of a model of the F-5 light fighter in 1:72 scale. The universal designation means the manufacturer did not make the set to measure for one particular kit but to the dimensions of the subject, so it should serve for the usual models of the type. It is precisely on small wheels that the difference between plastic and resin shows most, because an injection mold practically cannot hold a fine tread and shallow hub recesses in this scale.

The real subject

The F-5E Tiger II is a single-seat light supersonic fighter; the F-5F is its two-seat variant. The type entered service with many countries and in a number of them served for a very long time, among other things in the aggressor role in training. The landing gear is fairly slender, which on a model makes demands on seating the wheels accurately.

Working and painting

Wash the castings and dry them, cut off the casting block and level the surface. With slender landing gear, watch the flatness of the contact surface and above all the axis: if the wheel sits even slightly crooked, the model will lean on its base. Try dry therefore how the axle fits, and widen the hole carefully with a small drill if need be. It is glued with cyanoacrylate, which takes hold quickly, so have the position of the wheel ready in advance. Paint over primer, the tire dark gray, the hub according to the particular scheme, and even everything out with a matte coat at the end.

Who the set is for

• Builders of light fighters who want legible landing gear detail
• Modelers building several machines of the same type in different services
• Those looking for an accessory usable on the usual models of the type
• Collectors who object to round wheels with no contact patch on the base

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.