Having gotten back into aircraft modeling a couple years ago (building 1/48 scale) I’ve noticed the landing gear commonly being an issue with some models. The problem is that it’s weak, provides poor support, and breaks easy. I’ve found so far that Revell seems to have the most problems with this. I was wondering from those with a lot of varied experience, which model brands have been found to do the best job is producing models with sturdy landing gear?
Depends entirely on the subject.
I find it relates much more to the size of the model.
Yes and how much weight you had to put in the nose to prevent tail sitting.
Hasegawa…2nd would be Tamiya…
Well you said it, anything but Revell kits has strong gear. All F-105 kits in all scales seem to have weak gear though, and thats more of a poor design where the gear attaches to the upper wing half, rather that weak gear legs themselves.
Testors 1/48 O-2 has very weak main gear.
Great Wall P-61…worst ever. It will vibrate just sitting on the table.Absolute crap design.
Thanks to everyone that responded. As always, some really good insight. I read a lot about Tamiya and Hasegawa models on here but have never built one, so I think I’m going to have to give one of those a go.
Just a note on attaching the landing gear; I usually use CA or epoxy to glue the tiny attachment points on landing gear because styreene cement melts and softens the plastic causing further weakening problems .
It definately depends on what scale you’re building, strength by design, and or weights if needed (Tricycle landing gear). If worst comes to worst, you can always opp for some AM metal landing gears. This should solve most problems. I hope this helps.
Toshi