F/A-18E & F Cockpits & Wheel Wells
Super Hornet Detail Sets

Aires, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Aires' 1/48 scale F/A-18E/F Sets will be available online from Squadron.com
 

Aires has released three sets to detail and upgrade Hasegawa's 1/48 scale F/A-18E and F kits. These are excellent models, but they could use some help in the areas of the cockpit and wheel wells.

All three sets are beautifully cast in grey resin and feature exquisite detail. These are part of the new generation of Aires' casting, with some clever undercuts and most detail cast in place on larger parts, minimising the time spent on assembling tiny fiddly parts.

Specifically, the three sets are as:

Aires #4279 - F/A-18F Cockpit Set

Aires' 1/48 scale Lightning Exhaust Nozzles set comprises 14 parts in grey resin, one part in clear, photo-etched fret and printed displays on a clear acetate sheet. The front and rear seats are different mouldings. Harnesses and other small details supplied on the photo-etched fret

Careful preparation and test-fitting is strongly advised, especially if this set is to be used in conjunction with the wheel bays.

Aires #4295 - F/A-18E Cockpit Set

Aires' 1/48 scale Lightning Exhaust Nozzles set comprises 16 parts in grey resin (pictured at the top of the page), one part in clear, a photo-etched fret and printed displays on a clear acetate sheet.

In addition to the main cockpit area, this set also supplies a detailed "hell hole" behind the pilot's head.

Aires #4282 - F/A-18E/F Wheel Bays

Aires' Super Hornet Wheel Bay Set will be suitable for either the Hasegawa 1/48 scale F/A-18E or F/A-18F kit.This is remarkably cast, comprising only three resin parts and a small photo-etched set but bristling with detail.

The wheel bay set is beautifully detailed, and a massive improvement over the kit parts, packed with structural detail, plumbing and wiring.

Experience will be helpful when installing this set.

Aires has delivered an impressive suite of accessories that will add impressive extra detail to Hasegawa's 1/48 scale Super Bug kits.

Experience will be helpful for installing the cockpit and the wheel wells, especially if both will be used on the same model. However, some extra time spent preparing and test-fitting should result in a satisfying and impressive result.

Highly 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 © 2006 by Brett T. Green
This Page Created on 06 November, 2006
Last updated 05 November, 2006

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