Terrible 737 landing gear

[daveyator]

Hello all
Relatively new to the little metal airliner scene and even newer to the 1:200 scale. I don't plan on getting too many 1:200 models but having said that I just got a AAL 737-800. New in box from an eBay retailer. It does appear to be new and unused. Problem is the main landing gear sit very crooked and not even close to straight. Is this normal for these? afraid of trying to bend anything as I know die cast is brittle.

[PlaneCrazy]

Hey Daveyator, I have very few perfect models. I think it is the exception to get one that does not have some type of defect. I am sure there are collectors who insist on perfection, but I am okay with minor flaws. I recently noticed many more imperfections when I started photographing my collection with a new camera, which allows me to look very close up at the detail. I marvel at the intricacy they can achieve at these tiny markings, but I also more easily find mistakes. Unless it's easy to replace the model from whom you bought it, I would recommend living with it. As for myself, I have some 1:200 models that roll perfectly and others that hardly roll at all, due to gear that is askew. Hope that helps! SR

[daveyator]

I totally get that these are not perfect and were never meant to be. I truly don't even care if the wheels roll as these are not toys. I built scale models as a kid so I do have to be careful of what I expect. I really like my model overall. The gear was just REALLY out of sorts. I wound up trimming down the little "stems" on the round plastic keepers and thats allows the plane to almost sit on both main gear wheels. Thanks for the input.

[Phrog74]

I agree with PlaneCrazy, I have over 100 1:200 scale models and I'd be hard pressed to find even a handful that could be considered perfect. I even have the first release of the Gemini 200 of the American Airlines MD-80. It only has the American letters printed on one side of the fuselage. In this case, to being perfect is something of a rarity. I think with some of them, you can probably find replacement parts and fix them yourself. I have a few that I need to trade the gear out on. Great models though. I love the detail of the 1:200 scale.

[fleetlordatvar]

I totally get that these are not perfect and were never meant to be. I truly don't even care if the wheels roll as these are not toys. I built scale models as a kid so I do have to be careful of what I expect. I really like my model overall. The gear was just REALLY out of sorts. I wound up trimming down the little "stems" on the round plastic keepers and thats allows the plane to almost sit on both main gear wheels. Thanks for the input.

Look at the forums for more info on the models (IF it's possible) before you buy to get a better idea on the production run.

[Transnat]

Sometimes you can just be unlucky. Having said that, gear does seem to be a challenge for some brands. Too long, too short, incorrectly sized tyres and sometimes broken. That seems to be the nature of the business in many cases.

Tnat