The new 1/32 scale B-25 Mitchell needed a few bits
and bobs to make it a truly great kit – first of all that I would have added
were some metal landing gear to strengthen up the stance of this massive beast
of a kit – well G-factor
have entered their own set of legs for your consideration – let’s have a look
at them in our review.
G-Factor Kit 32056 1/32 B-25 landing gear.
For:
1/32 HK kit of the B-25
Kit No: 32056
Kit type: is
Scale: 1/32
MSRP: $32.00USD
Available from:
Ernie directly at gfactormodels@aol.com
(They
have a website coming soon at) http://www.g-factormodels.com/
The H.K. Models kit of the B-25 had an impact on the modelling
community and the few things you need to transport it from being a good to a
great kit were some new props and governors (more on that next week) a nose
weight or tow and some strong metal landing gear.
I saw the original kit which had metal landing gear –
I can only think that it was a cost issue as to why they weren’t issued with
the kit when HK released it. I suppose they thought it was the straw that broke
the bank? Anyway the weight of the kit and the dispersal of that weight really
did warrant metal landing gear.
Well Ernie of the legendary G-factor Models has come
to your rescue. Before seeing these for myself I had heard of the almost mystical
quality of Ernie’s work – well now I can say I have that “legend” in my hand –
is it as good as they say?
The landing gear came from the states to my doorstep
in just a few days – wrapped in bubble wrap securely fastened – I was more than
happy as well with the customer service given by G-factor – they should be
commended for that.
The oleos themselves come in a zip-loc plastic bag
with the logo and package information on front – no mess no fuss – once I got them
out I was instantly impressed with the finish of them – I have owned many metal
wheels in the past and I can say these are THE cleanest I have ever had the
pleasure of owning. They are far ahead
of others I have owned actually – I did give a little “Wow” when I had a good
look at them. This gear is meant as a direct replacement of the original gear and fits into all of the same holes as the injection moulded counterparts. I personally like the fact these are one piece - the non structural parts then can just be assembled ONTO the load bearing part and not a part of the structural strength. ( as riggers always say hang it off the piece not what's hanging off the piece)
The
nose gear or the “auxiliary gear” as the USAAF called it,
comes in one long piece of metal and is a great representation of the real
thing. Those sharp eyed amongst you will have noticed that the towing hole isn’t
there – thought the strut that “safeties” onto it is - I am sure this is more
of a strength issue than a lack of a hole! Notable is the alternate arrangement
of the oleo scissors just like the real thing. The holes of the kit piece to
plumb into are there on the clean face of the landing gear.
The real thing
G-factor nose-gear
Also the cylindrical dampener used to stop the nose
wheel from turning too much is supplied with the kit so no need to make another
here – the rear supporting strut is also supplied with the kit as well. The
long stalk supplied here will take all of the nose weight so everything else
coming off the wheel is dressing. The
kit needed strength in the nose more than anything.
The
main landing gear is supplied in the form of two single piece
oleos complete with scissor linkage shock absorbers and tiny tie down holes supplied
which are correct to scale. The strut – like the front gear is very strong and
it didn’t at any time look like breaking or bending on me which I know is the
case with softer metal gear.
The real main gear
G-factor's gear
The gear surfaces is very “clean” again – I found
only one piece of metal bog on all three of these wheels which took just a
second or two with a tiny file to remove, as well as this there is a small seam
running down the main gear legs. I would feel a lot more confident working on
these to get one or two bits of excess off than some other wheels I have tried.
Although these are very rigid wheels the texture can be buffed up with some
small sandpaper looped around the oleos, then an undercoat and some chrome
paint. I think the finish would be excellent.
The main gear comes as just the main oleo again. There
are plenty of holes for the kit arts to join onto them; these kit parts are
again just for the detail. The strength lays in the G-factor gear.
So to sum up – there were one or two tiny blemishes
and the “whole” gear is not supplied – BUT the parts you really need are – and they
are of a detail and a quality I have not seen in metal landing gear before
owning these. I can say that these will be a really welcome addition to my B-25
and ill feel confident in moving it once it is completed. They are strong, accurate
and without a lot of clean up – great work Ern!
Adam Norenberg
Thanks to G-Factor models for these wheels – you can
get them from Ernie directly at gfactormodels@aol.com
(they have a website coming soon at) http://www.g-factormodels.com/)