Question: Many VMAR semi-scale models come with pre-installed landing gear struts. Can they be purchased separately?

Answer:  Yes they are available separately as an after market item. Best to call our order desk at 604-940-1066 or order on line. There are two sizes... roughly for 45 size and 90 size models. There are white or grey colored versions of both sizes. They are searchable on our web site as part numbers that begin with VMA-STR or search for "strut". They are sold as single sets for one gear leg at a time. Please have this information at hand if you are calling our order desk.

Please note that the plastic clamshell like struts are decorative only. The two halves wrap around the internal wire gear. They are not functional and do not bear weight.

Question: My model came with simulated plastic oleo struts on some of the gear legs. They appear to be cracked or split. What should I do?

Answer: The simulated plastic oleo struts are a no-charge bonus item included with many of the scale and semi scale models. Even some of our high end trainers use these on the nose gear. Each simulated strut consists of two clamshell like plastic halves that "wrap around" the wire gear leg and are retained in place usually by a couple of small screws and a plastic ring and/or adhesive.

These struts are not functional, they are decorative only. Under load and/or during shipping the seams between the clamshell halves and/or the retaining ring can open up and expose a small gap along the seam. We suggest carefully tightening the screws again and regluing the clamshell halves and retaining ring back into place. Plasti-ZAP or ZAP-A-GAP from Pacer work well on this plastic.  

These simulated oleo struts are also available for purchase as a part. Please see the Replacement Parts section of our web store and search for "strut".

Question: I have a VMAR model that comes with fixed landing gear and is considered retract ready so that I can install my own retracts at a later date. The fixed landing gear has simulated struts surrounding the wire gear legs. Can these simulated struts be moved to my retractable landing gear?

Answer: Quite likely yes but they may require some modification. There are large number of different retract systems and the only way to really be sure is to remove the simulated struts from the landing gear legs on your fixed gear and to trial fit them to the gear legs on your retracts. If they fit, then carefully confirm that the retract can operate freely with the simulated struts in place.