I wonder if all the kits have the same problem with the tires? It will be a while before I start building mine. I'm trying to get my other planes in good order. If it has not been a long time since you bought your last plane, I would ask Great Planes to replace the landing gear. The most they could say is no. They might know of a way to take care of the problem. Did your first plane do the same thing? I think the same way, this is a good looking plane with style. Do you remove the wings every time you go out? I hope I can haul it in the back of my pick-up.