Introduction:

There is a huge market for resin wheel sets in 1/35 scale. Far superior in just about every aspect possible, these resin wheels are used to replace vinyl wheels usually supplied with model kits.

MacOne Models recently released resin wheel set designed to upgrade Takom’s AML-60/90 series: AML 60 & 90 Sagged wheels (MAC35015).

Review:

The set is packed in a plastic blister box. Along with the image displaying the contents of the set and an instruction sheet, the box includes 5 resin pieces: 4 road wheels and a spare wheel. The pieces are delivered 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 should be very easy to remove. Moreover, the blocks are attached to the bottom part of road wheels, ensuring a rather straightforward cleaning procedure. As for the spare wheel, the carrier block attachment point is very small, minimizing the possibility of damaging the tire thread pattern.

The set depicts Michelin XL 11.00 R16 tire. The rugged all-terrain radial tire is designed for tactical vehicles and has dimensions of 38,7 x 10,9 inches (983 x 277 mm) with 16 inch rim. It features self-cleaning tread pattern with buttressed shoulders. The wheels in this set are accurately sized to 28 x 8 mm with a very realistic representation of the tire pattern. The tires also feature a barely visible inscription on their side (RADIAL) and labels which I just can’t decipher (possibly 9.00 R16 XL). These tiny details should pop up with some paint. Tire pattern looks good and resembles the pattern I found on the references really well. Tires in this set are sagged; the sag is not over pronounced and I feel it realistically depicts weight of the vehicle. The rim shape and 5-bolt pattern is correctly delivered in scale.

Assembly:

The set offers four slightly different road wheels, labeled as L1 and L2, R1 and R2. The variety ensures a different orientation of the wheels on the vehicle, adding to the scale model realism.

The set includes a leaflet which helps to define the position of each wheel. Attaching the wheels to the vehicle is pretty much straightforward… designed for Takom kits, the kit axle should fit into the hub opening of these replacement wheels.

Conclusion:

AML 60 & 90 Sagged wheels (MAC35015) from MacOne Models delivers resin replacement wheels (4 road wheels and 1 spare) for Takom’s AML 60/90 kits in 1/35 scale. The wheels are perfectly cast in resin with lots of sharp details, accurately sized and very easy to install. The tire tread pattern is nicely delivered and the wheel sag realistically reproduced.

Altogether, this set is a welcomed upgrade for Takom’s AML offerings.