F/A-18C Hornet Cockpit Set

Aires, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Aires' 1/48 scale F/A-18 Hornet cockpit set is available online from Squadron.com
 

Aires has released a replacement cockpit for Hasegawa's 1/48 scale F/A-18C Hornet.

This set comprises 15 parts in pale cream coloured resin, 1 part in clear resin, a photo-etched fret and instruments printed onto a small clear acetate sheet.

Detail is good. I especially liked the texture of the backrest and seat cushion.

Resin casting quality is very good, with no imperfections noted on my review sample. The casting attachments should not present a problem, but take care when removing the slightly chunky block on the bottom of the seat.

The resin parts are supplemented with photo-etched details. The seat is cast without belts. The retracted harness straps and other seat fixtures are instead supplied as separate metal parts. The instrument panel benefits from several photo-etched and acetate sandwiches to replicate small dials and switches. These should look very effective when assembled. The canopy is also detailed with a combination of resin and photo-etch.

The "hell hole" behind the pilot is supplied as a resin tub with detail cast in place. A photo-etched grille is provided as a cover for this space. The impression of three-dimensional weave on this cover is very effective.

The final part is supplied in clear resin. It is the lens for the HUD.

Aires 1/48 scale F/A-18C Hornet cockpit is certainly an improvement on Hasegawa's kit parts.

Recommended

Thanks to Aires for the sample

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

Review Copyright © 2004 by Brett T. Green
This Page Created on 22 October, 2004
Last updated 23 October, 2004

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