Introduction:

DEF Model produces an amazing array of resin wheel sets in 1/35 scale. Far superior in just about every aspect possible, these resin wheels are used to replace rubber wheels usually supplied with model kits.

This review covers one of the latest wheel sets from DEF Model, designed to upgrade Italeri’s LMV Lince (6504) in 1/35 scale: Italian LMV Lince XML Sagged Wheel Set (DW35092).

Review:

The set is packed in a hard cardboard box, with the box-art showing the contents of the set. Opening the box reveals a zip-lock bag containing resin pieces and a wheel mask sheet with instructions.

The set includes 5 resin pieces: 4 road wheels and a spare wheel. The pieces are molded in grey resin and the cast is excellent; there are no visible imperfections whatsoever with the pieces featuring a ton of tiny details wonderfully delivered in scale. The carrier blocks are large but very easy to remove. The blocks are attached to the bottom of road wheels, ensuring a rather straightforward cleaning procedure. As for the spare wheel, the carrier block attaches to the piece via several small connection points which follow the tire thread pattern, minimizing the possibility of damaging the pattern. Very clever engineering!

The set depicts Michelin 325/85R16 XML tire. The all-terrain radial XML tire is designed for tactical vehicles and has dimensions of 38.7 x 12.9 inches (984 x 327 mm) with the approved rim width of 9 inches. It features a specific non-directional tread with offset shoulder design. The tires in this set are accurately sized to 28 x 9.5 mm with a very realistic representation of the elaborate tire pattern. The tires also feature several inscriptions on their side: the MICHELIN X and 325/85R16 XML labels, as well as the microscopic RADIAL lettering… fantastic details! The complex bolt pattern on the rim is correctly delivered, with the small air valve stem as well as Central Tire Inflating System (CTIS) cap. The hub details feature another set of bolts with the center circular hub pattern extremely well defined too. As the title suggests, the tires in this set are sagged. The sag is not too pronounced and I feel it depicts the weight of the vehicle realistically.

The set offers two slightly different wheels, labeled as A and B. The difference ensures a diverse orientation of the wheels on the vehicle, adding to the scale model realism. Test-fitting the wheels to Italeri Lince LMV model (6504) shows a good match. The axle (2B) fits well into the central inner hub opening, with the torsion bar (6B) attached to the hub as well.

Finally, the set includes a wheel mask sheet which helps a lot with the painting process. The instructions how to use the mask are included as well.

Conclusion:

I used number of DEF Model wheels with my model builds and I was always impressed with their quality. Italian LMV Lince XML Sagged Wheel Set (DW35092) is no exception to the rule. The resin wheels are perfectly cast, accurately sized and very easy to install. The tire tread pattern is nicely delivered and the wheel sag realistically reproduced. A big plus are wheel masks which facilitate the painting process.

Altogether, this set offers a whole new level of „wheel-realism“ and is a must-have for all those modeling Italeri's Lince LMV in 1/35 scale.