1:72 Mosquito Undercarriage Legs for Special Hobby kits

Mosquito Undercarriage Legs 1:72 — resin landing gear legs (Special Hobby)

This set is an accessory, not a model. It contains landing gear legs for the twin-engine de Havilland Mosquito in 1:72 scale, cast in resin. The parts are designed as a direct replacement for the plastic legs in the Mosquito kits from Special Hobby. The base model is bought separately — you cannot build the aircraft from the set itself.

What the set is for

There are two reasons: strength and fidelity. Even as a 1:72 model the Mosquito is a fairly heavy twin-engine machine and its thin plastic landing gear legs carry the whole weight of the airframe. In time they can bow — on models left standing in a display case for a long time this is a known problem. A resin casting is harder and more stable in shape than softer injection-molded plastic, so the model stands straight even after years. At the same time it allows detail to be cast that will not go into a mold for plastic: fine struts, hydraulic lines and the complex shape of the telescopic leg.

Usage tips

• First wash the parts in lukewarm water with detergent — this removes the mold release agent, otherwise the paint will not hold.
• Cut the casting blocks off with a saw or a cutter, do not break them; resin is hard and cracks when it is bent.
• Glue with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue): cement for plastic does not dissolve resin and so does not hold.
• Sand with respiratory protection, preferably wet: resin dust must not be inhaled.
• Apply a primer before painting; let the joint between the leg and the engine nacelle cure thoroughly before you set the whole model down on its gear.

Who the set is for

• Builders of the de Havilland Mosquito kits in 1:72 scale from Special Hobby.
• Modelers whose plastic legs bow under the weight of the finished model.
• More experienced modelers used to working with resin and super glue.
• Collectors who want faithful landing gear detail even in the small scale.

This is an accessory for modelers, not a kit in its own right. It is supplied unassembled and unpainted; the base model, glue and paints are not included in the package.