1:48 P-40E Warhawk undercarriage legs

Eduard 1:48 P-40E Warhawk — landing gear legs (3D print)

This set from Eduard contains 3D-printed landing gear legs for a model of the American fighter Curtiss P-40E Warhawk in 1:48 scale. It is not a model or a kit of an aircraft — it is an upgrade accessory that replaces the parts from the plastic kit. Printed resin carries finer detail than injection-molded plastic: sharply rendered shock absorbers, brake lines, struts and riveting stay legible, and at the same time the leg is dimensionally more accurate.

What the set is for

The landing gear legs carry the whole weight of a finished model, and on the P-40 they are clearly visible as well. Plastic parts in this scale can bow in time or get damaged during handling. Printed legs are stiffer and hold their shape better, so the model stands straight even after years in a display case — and at the same time they look more faithful.

Recommended procedure

• First wash the parts in lukewarm water with detergent and let them dry — this removes print resin residue and the primer takes better.
• Cut the print supports off with a sharp scalpel or a fine saw and carefully sand away the marks they leave. Always use respiratory protection (a respirator), and ideally sand wet — resin dust must not be inhaled.
• Bond with super glue (cyanoacrylate). Dry-fit first to check the seating in the bay and the angle at which the leg should stand.
• Painting: a primer, then a silver or aluminum color on the struts, a dark wash into the grooves and fine oils and dust around the wheels for realistic soiling.

Who the set is for

For modelers building the P-40E Warhawk in 1:48 scale who want more reliable and more faithful landing gear than the plastic in the box offers. Because of the work with resin and the precise seating of the parts we recommend the set rather to more advanced builders.

The accessory is supplied unpainted. The base model, glue and paints are not included in the package.