1:48 Spitfire Mk.IX / Mk..XVI - Undercarriage Legs (for Eduard Kits / 3D-Printed)

Spitfire Mk.IX / Mk.XVI undercarriage legs 1:48 - Eduard, direct 3D printing

A detail set from the Czech manufacturer Eduard intended for its own Spitfire Mk.IX and Mk.XVI kits in 1:48 scale. It is not an aircraft model or a kit: it is an accessory with which you replace the plastic parts of the main landing gear from the box. The parts are made by direct 3D printing, the set contains four printed parts and it contains no photo-etched parts, masks or decals.

What the set offers

• Sharper and finer detail on the undercarriage legs than injection-molded plastic allows.
• More faithful shapes and lightening in the places that are clearly visible on a finished model.
• A direct replacement for the kit parts, with no need for major changes to the wing.
• A quick route to a marked improvement in the look of the landing gear, which is always on show on a standing model.

Usage tips

Separate the 3D printed parts carefully from the supports with a sharp scalpel or a fine saw and clean the remains of the supports up with a file or abrasive paper. Before gluing and painting it is advisable to wash the parts in lukewarm water with detergent and let them dry thoroughly. They are glued with cyanoacrylate, because ordinary cement for plastic does not work on printed material. Apply a thin coat of primer before painting, otherwise the paint holds worse on the smooth surface. Use respiratory protection when sanding and preferably sand wet. The undercarriage legs carry the weight of the model, so let the glued joints dry properly and handle the finished model by the fuselage rather than by the landing gear.

Who the set is for

For modelers who build the Spitfire Mk.IX or Mk.XVI in 1:48 scale from Eduard and want to take the model beyond the level of the box contents. It requires experience of working with printed parts and cyanoacrylate, so it is not the first choice for a complete beginner. The set works well paired with other detail accessories, for instance wheels or a cockpit.

This is an add-on set, not a standalone model. The kit, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.