CMK B-25 Mitchell Wheels (4418) 1:48 for Accurate Miniatures

[Mike]

B-25 Mitchell Wheels (4418)

1:48 CMK by Special Hobby

 

 

Kit wheels are generally in two halves, which means you have the resultant joins to deal with, possible mould-slip issues on single part wheels, and sometimes less than stellar detail due to the moulding limitations of styrene injection technology, especially in the tread department.  That's where replacement resin wheels come in, with their lack of seamline and superior detail making a compelling argument.  They are also usually available at a reasonable price, and can be an easy introduction to aftermarket and resin handling, as they are usually a drop-in replacement.

 

 

This set from CMK is suitable for the Accurate Miniatures, Academy and Italeri kits in 1:48, all of which originate from the 1999 tooling by now defunct Accurate Miniatures, which is still the kit to have in this scale.  Thinking of that, how about a new modern tooling soon, someone?  The set arrives in the usual yellow-themed CMK blister pack, with the instructions sandwiched between the resin parts and the header card.  Inside are ten resin parts on six casting blocks, consisting of three wheels and seven hub parts for optional smooth or spoked hubs on all three wheels.  The wheels are all attached to their blocks on their contact patches, with additional wisps of resin supporting the wheel further and helping to reduce the likelihood of air bubbles within the moulds.  These are easily removed with a razor saw and a swipe with a sanding stick that should leave all the diamond tread detail intact.  The hubs are all cast flat against their blocks, so will need to be sawn or sanded off, taking the usual precautions when handling resin.  When liberated from their blocks, you can choose which parts to use for your selected airframe.

 

 

Conclusion

Detail is excellent, with Goodyear branding on the main tyres, and crisp brake detail on the rear hubs, plus cut-outs between the spokes once they are removed from their casting blocks.  The addition of a slight weighting sag at the bottom lends your model a little extra realism on top of that already provided.

 

Highly recommended.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of