1:48 HIGHLY DETAILED WHEEL SET MIG-21

Wheels for the MiG-21, 1:48, from Temp Models

This 3D-printed resin set replaces the landing gear wheels of a MiG-21 model in 1:48 scale. The wheels are modeled with the flat spot that the weight of the aircraft presses into the tire, so the model sits naturally on its base. For the versions with the enlarged fuselage spine the manufacturer keeps a separate set.

The real subject

The MiG-21 is the most widely used supersonic fighter in history, built in large numbers and operated by dozens of countries, Czechoslovakia among them. The main wheels retract into the fuselage through a complex mechanism that rotates the wheel as it goes in, so the gear bay is surprisingly shallow. For such a fast aircraft the wheels are fairly small, and on a parked machine they are clearly settled. It is precisely the settling of the tires that does the most for a finished model.

Building and painting tips

Wash the 3D-printed parts in warm soapy water first, to get rid of any print resin residue. Cut the print supports off with a sharp blade or a fine saw as close to the part as you can and sand the marks away with respiratory protection. Resin does not bond with polystyrene cement, so use cyanoacrylate glue. Apply a thin coat of primer before painting, otherwise the paint will not hold well on the smooth print. Fit the wheels with the weighted deformation so that the flattened area of the tire sits on the base, otherwise the model will not stand naturally.

Who the set is for

• Replacement landing gear wheels for a MiG-21 model in 1:48 scale
• Flat spots from the weight of the aircraft modeled in
• Resin 3D print with fine resolution
• For the MT and SMT versions the manufacturer keeps a separate set
• Needs cyanoacrylate glue and a primer under the paint

The set is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.