Introduction:

Resin replacement wheels are the essential aftermarket item for all the softskin vehicle models in my stash. Far superior to rubber tires usually supplied with model kits, the resin wheels offer sharp details, accurate thread pattern and often a slight sag, which is essential in realistically reproducing the weight of the vehicle.

This review covers LMV Lince sagged wheels (768) from Royal Model, a very welcomed addition for upgrading Italeri’s LMV Lince kit. Royal Model also offers additional goodies for the Italeri kit: LMV Lince seats (810) and LMV Lince upgrade set (807), and these reviews are soon to be published on Armorama as well.

Review:

The kit is packed in a sealed cardboard box, with the front featuring an image showing the contents of the set. Inside the box is a plastic bag securing the resin pieces.

The set includes four replacement wheels cast in grey resin. Closer inspection reveals a really good cast. There are no air bubbles, however some seam lines are evident and these need to be carefully removed not to damage the tire tread pattern. The details are sharp and impressively delivered in resin. Casting blocks are located on the bottom part of the tire ensuring no detail is lost when removing the blocks.

The set depicts Michelin 325/85R16 XML tire. The all-terrain radial XML tire is designed for tactical vehicle use, features a specific non-directional tread with offset shoulder design and has dimensions of 38.7 x 12.9 inches (984 x 327 mm) with the approved rim width of 9 inches. The tires in this set are sized to 28 x 9.5 mm, which makes them a perfect 1/35 scale rendition of the real 325/85R16 XML tires. After gathering numerous reference images, I can confirm the tires in the set offer accurately replicated tread pattern. The inscriptions on the side of the tires are faithfully reproduced as well, not just the larger MICHELIN X and 325/85R16 XML labels, but also the microscopic RADIAL lettering. The complex bolt pattern on the rim is correctly delivered, together with the small air valve stem and Central Tire Inflating System (CTIS) cap. The hub features another set of bolts with the center circular hub pattern extremely well defined too. Check out the photos, these really are remarkable details! Finally, the tires in this set are sagged and, in my opinion, realistically depict the weight of the vehicle.

The set offers two slightly different wheels. 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.

Conclusion:

LMV Lince sagged wheels (768) from Royal Model is a very impressive resin kit offering an essential replacement for the kit rubber tires. The wheels are nicely cast, accurately sized and very easy to install, the tire tread pattern details are perfectly delivered and the wheel sag realistically reproduced. A no-brainer for anybody with Italeri’s LMV Lince in stash.

Thank you to Royal Model for this review sample.

References:

LMV Lince in Detaill (G054), Wings & Wheels Publications