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P-51B/C/D/K Mustang & P-47D Thunderbolt Wheel Sets (2456 & 2450) 1:24 Halberd Models Halberd Models’ new(ish) flexible resin tyre sets require a slightly different method of construction to standard resin wheels, so I’ll refer you back to my initial review in 2019 here, which explains the process and design ethos in more detail. It also has a link to a video that shows the process fully, so if you’re unsure about how to use flexible resin tyres it’s worth a read. This new batch however add another level of configuration to enable the modeller to apply a variable level of sag to the tyres that as far as I understand it, is possibly the first in the hobby. The new techniques include the usual parts we’ve come to expect, but with the addition (or subtraction) of a thin section of the tyre that is destined to sit on the ground. This gives the tyre an incredibly flexible contact patch with the ground if used with the old circular hubs. The new hubs are different however, and have a block at the bottom that fills the thin area of the tyre, making it less flexible. If you wish to have your tyre sag more, simply sand back the “key” as we’ll call it, taking care to keep the curved underside, which helps keep the shape of the tyre. The assemblies are otherwise a drop-in replacement for the kit parts, so they should glue straight onto the landing gear axles, but it's always wise to test and adjust as necessary, as you'll be using either epoxy or super-glue to attach them because resin doesn't adhere with styrene glue. The advantage is that you can configure the sag as much or as little as you want, all before you glue the hubs into the tyres. Andrey was kind enough to let us have a built example of the P-47 alternative tread, which you can see below with no weight upon it, and the weight of my sausage-finger deforming the carcass of the tyre a little. These sets from Halberd are for any kit, with the P-51 having Airfix and Trumpeter offerings, while the P-47 is doubtless intended for the Kinetic or Vintage Fighter Series kits, which AFAIK are the same moulds. P-15B/C/D/K Mustang Wheel Set #1 (2456) Sets #2 & #3 have cross and block tread patterns, while this set #1 has diamond tread. You can get them all from Halberd’s eBay shop by clicking the link below: P-47D Thunderbolt Wheel Set #2 (2450) There are currently two sets for the Thud, #1 with diamond tread, and #2 as above with cross tread. See below for details: Construction is the same for each set and involves removing the centre section of the flexible tyres and final clean-up with a burr in your motor tool, then gluing the two-part hubs into the two main wheel tyres with optional adjustment of the sag with a sanding stick to abrade away the key, and of course the small two-part hubs for the tail wheel. The spoked hubcap has flash across the interstices between the spokes, so this also needs to be removed, showing off the deep interior of the hub to great effect. Once painted they should look very realistic, and the flexible tyres can be painted and or weathered if you wish with latex based acrylic paints, which have flexibility to match the elastic properties of the resin. Highly recommended. They’re currently being sold direct to customers via their Facebook page and their eBay shop, as per the links above. Review sample courtesy of