Scale Aircraft Conversions | 18001 SBD-3/4 Dauntless Landing Gear (Merit)
Reviewed by Ray Peterson
A recent release from Scale Aircraft Conversions is this new accessory set for the Merit 1/18th SBD-3/4 Dauntless kit. The set includes the main landing gear legs and the tail gear fork. Quite a surprise as I would think the market for these parts will be pretty small, but for those that prefer their models in XXL size, I am sure it is nice to see some attention.
I do not have this kit, but from online pictures I believe this set is simply meant to be a direct replacement for the kit’s plastic landing gear, providing the modeler the option to go with white metal instead of plastic. Therefore while the casting is quite good, most of the details are unchanged and any defects of the kit parts, such as molding seams, will therefore be replicated on the SAC gear.
I still am not happy with the softness of the alloy used. However, because of the massive size of the 1/18 gear I am confident it will hold up well. Also, because of the softness, the molded on brake lines can be bent to look more natural than the stiff plastic lines of the kit gear.
Recommended as a quick and relatively low-priced replacement for the kit gear.
Thanks to Scale Aircraft Conversions for the review set.
© Ray Peterson 2014
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This review was published on Thursday, January 16 2014; Last modified on Sunday, April 17 2016