Bruce,
Here are the photos in relation to the AM wheels. First of all, as mentioned the Airfix wheels are keyed to ensure they sit at the correct angles and locations for the weighted look. All the AM wheels, Eduard, Barracuda, True Details etc. are made to be mounted on an axle (like the real thing). The first thing to do was remove the bulk of the material from the inside of the MLG leg clipping the brake drums off each side, leaving a smaller hub, then removing more material with a razor saw down from the top down. Shape with sanding stick and appropriate blade/sanding stick:
I used the Eduard set which require you to drill out the hubs to accept the reworked MLG. They are a really nicely cast set. The tread goes all the way across the tyre unlike the kit supplied ones. The only warning I would have is the fragility of the wheel mount of the rear wheel assembly, it can break easily. In fact mine was broken in transit and I had to request a replacement from Eduard (which they did without issue and quickly):
The main wheels are a two part affair, with the brake side moulded with the wheels and the front hubs a seperate piece. Mustang wheels were see through. So you will need to remove some minor moulding fill from between the hub spokes. I drilled all the way through from the back as the front hubs will cover the hole (thankfully as my accuracy was way off!):
My first iteration was to drill part way into the MLG and mount a 0.8mm brass rod into the socket, leaving with CA and mount the wheel on that. This would preserve the tie down on the opposite side of the axle:
It soon became obvious this method was not going to fly. I then drilled all the way through the MLG and used pliers to crimp one end of the brass rod, leaving a flattened “tie ring” and secured the axles with CA:
The brass axle was test fitted and trimmed so that it did not protrude through the hole. Holes were drilled into the flat section of the wheel and they were mounted on tooth picks for ease.The wheels were then sprayed with Mr Aqueous Colour Tyre black and masked using the supplied masks and 6mm Tamiya tape around the outside. Here you can see the front hubs have also been prepared (tedious but worth it):
The wheels then received their AKI Extreme Metal Aluminium to the rear and front hubs. I also did the inside of the wheel behind the front hub but in hindsight, I would not do this on my next build:
Here are a couple of shots of the dry fitted MLG. They still need finishing with chrome Dolores and a wash:
Hope this helps.
Regards,
