A-7 Corsair II
A-7 Wheel Well & A-7D Cockpit

Aires, 1/32 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Aires' 1/32 scale A-7 Corsair II detail sets will available online from Squadron.com
 

Trumpeter's new 1/32 scale A-7D Corsair II kits are big kits that would benefit from a little additional detail in some prominent areas.

Aires has answered the call with not one, but the two brand new accessory sets to delight the superdetailer:
 

Aires #2055 - A-7 Corsair II Wheel Wells

Set Number 2055 comprises full replacement forward and main wheel wells and undercarriage doors.

Detail is excellent, with most of the plumbing and other structural details cast in place. Parte breakdown is quite simple, with a few kit parts supplementing the additional separate resin parts to complete the wheel wells.

Minimal cutting is required for installation of this set.

Aires #2057 - A-7D Corsair II Cockpit Set

Aires' A-7D cockpit set is a full replacement for the Trumpeter kit's front office.

The focus of this set is a truly gorgeous cockpit tub that is brimming with realistic textures, clever undercuts and excellent detail.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

---

The remaining details include the seat, instrument coaming, canopy frame and some smaller details. The retracted harness and instrument panel are supplied as photo-etched parts. The set is completed with printed acetate instruments.

A separate seat for the A-7E Corsair II is also available from Aires.

The parts in both sets are presented in grey coloured resin. Casting is flawless in both examples.

I have noticed that, in Aires' latest generation of releases, detail is crisper than ever before, casting blocks are generally less imposing and parts breakdown is simpler (fewer parts with no compromise in detail). These benefits are all apparent in these two new accessory sets for Trumpeter's 1/32 scale Corsair II.

It is almost inevitable that plenty of planning, thinning and test-fitting will be required for both accessories, but if you are prepared to spend the extra time on these essential tasks the process will be more rewarding and the final result will be tidier. In common with any major resin accessories, some previous experience will be helpful.

Both of Aires 1/32 scale sets will add significant detail to Trumpeter's A-7 kits, and will be very obvious through the open canopy and wheel well doors.

Highly Recommended to experienced modellers.

Thanks to Aires for the sample

Aires accessories and conversions are available online from Aires website
and in retail model shops worldwide

Review Copyright © 2006 by Brett T. Green
This Page Created on 04 July, 2006
Last updated 04 July, 2006

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page