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Hussar
US6 Studebaker Wheels
for ICM kit
Hussar 1:35 Set #35061
Review by Terry Ashley

ICM
The set:
This set of replacement resin wheels from Hussar Productions addresses the main issue with the recent ICM kit of the Studebaker US6 (kit#35511) in that the wheels have the tread pattern even and not offset like it should be. But they offer more than just correct tread patterns with rims that include enhanced details over the kit wheels.

The set consists of 11 wheels in light cream resin for the 10 main wheels and one spare as well as the brake drums for the front wheels to allow all the wheels to be replaced on the ICM kit.

Resin wheels
Hussar

The quality of the resin casting is very good overall with just some very small remnants of the casting blocks to be cleaned up from the tread with a few small air holes either side of the casting block and the small scar on the tread pattern can be hidden at ground contact with the remainder of the tread pattern being blemish free.

There is some fine resin film inside some of the wheel lightening holes but this is easily removed with a #11 blade and there were a few air holes on the inner axle stubs of the rear wheels but these will be hidden when the wheels are fitted to the kit so are not really a problem.

Detail on the front wheel hubs is very well defined and includes the correct profile on the rims and tyre side wall embossing which is perfectly legible with the only addition required being the valve stem you can add from thin sprue or wire. The tread pattern is also well defined with the correct offset of the pattern and the wheels are also slightly wider than the kit wheels to better represent the actual Studebaker wheels.

There are separate inner brake drums which fit neatly in place and the wheels fit to the kit axles without any problems for excellent replacements.

Front wheels showing excellent rim details, sidewall embossing and tread pattern.
Hussar
Images of real wheels courtesy Rossagraph

The duel rear wheel rims are especially well done with excellent hub contours and wheel nut details as well as the row of small rivets around the inside of the rim which really does enhance the level of detail on the wheels. Again the only addition being the valve stem you can add from thin sprue or wire.

The detail on the inner rim is also well done with the two wheel rims fitting together with the aid of three small locating pins but you have to align these correctly so the casting block scar is level on each wheel. Test fit the wheels as some don't align correctly so just swap the wheels about until each lines up okay, this ensures the scar can easily be hidded at the ground contact leaving the clean tread pattern showing.

Rear wheels with excellent rim details includeing the row of inner rim rivets
sidewall embossing and the tread pattern.

Hussar
Images of real wheels courtesy Rossagraph

The rear wheels again fit directly to the kit axles without any alterations required making for quick and easy replacements.

Conclusion:
This set of wheels from Hussar Productions is simply superb and not only corrects the tread pattern but addresses the width issue of the kit wheels and provides excellent rim details especially on the rear wheel rims to offer considerable more detail than with the kit wheels.

The wheels are clearly the best available for the ICM kit at this time with cleanly cast tread pattern and minimal cleanup required as well as straightforward fitting to the kit, what more could you want?

Highly recommended 9/10

References:
Studebaker US6 in detail
Special Museum Line No.23
Wings & Wheels Publications
ISBN: 80-86416-19-4
Book
Studebaker US6
Model Detail Photo Monograph No.17

Published by Rossagraph
ISBN: 83-89717-15-8
Book

Hussar Productions are available from and distributed by AirConnection Canada.
Airconnection Thanks to Michael of AirConnection Canada for the review set




Page created June 13, 2008