Cockpit Corner
Mig-25 Foxbat Cockpit Set

Neomega, 1/48 scale

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Reviewed by "Bondo" Phil Brandt

Revell long ago (1978) released a minimalist but as yet definitive injected Foxbat in quarter-inch scale. Since the kit was mastered at a time when unclassified Foxbat information was sparse, the cockpit is bereft of any but the most basic details, with the ol' decal trick for the instrument panel. That's all ancient history, now that the Neomega folks have finally released a highly detailed all resin cockpit set; one can actually display the canopy in open configuration!

A year ago I was told by a most knowledgeable model industry entrepreneur that one of Neomega's goals in producing aftermarket cockpits was a "click fit," and other sets owned by Bondo industries have borne out that philosophy. Those of us who have applied industrial strength filing, grinding and sanding to products of such aftermarket Big Dogs as KMC, Black Box, Aires, CzechMaster, FM, etc. can really appreciate this design standard.

Neomega components, while still as crisp as competitors, sometimes carry a somewhat "worn" patina, an appearance appreciated by this retired TAC puke who has sat in his share of dirty, scratched, dust ball-ridden cockpits.

Contents

Included are: cockpit tub; KM-1M seat; sidewalls; instrument panel; radar scope; canopy hood; upper rear bulkhead; stick; and sidewall quadrant.

Evaluation

Based on the color pix in Yefim Gordon's authoritative Aerofax book, the general arrangement of the instrument panel and sidewalls is acceptable and desirably "busy", but the rudimentary instruction mini-sheet leaves much to be desired. Compared to some past instructionless sets meant for U.S. consumption, even this basic effort could be considered a step forward. I guess Bondo's tech writing past shows here, because while Neomega shows radarscope and sidewall quadrant callouts, there is not a clue as to specific mounting locations. Further, the color cockpit pix in the Gordon book show no radarscope on the instrument panel or quadrant on the left sidewall. A large instrument circle on the instrument panel seems to match the diameter of the add-on scope part, but the Gordon pic shows this location as where the Attitude Direction Indicator (ADI) should be, and that's a normal location for this important instrument. As to the "quadrant", I can see no such component on the left sidewall, and there's already a throttle quadrant molded on the left console. Wassupp, Neomega?

The seat is quite decent, but you'll have to add the between-the-knees ejection handles. I especially like the wealth of detail on the rear cockpit bulkhead.

Neomega's 1/48 scale Mig-25 cockpit is an acutely-needed, very well done embellishment for this elderly kit, and the simplistic instructions certainly aren't a "showstopper."

Now, all the modeler has to do is decrease the wing chord by 3/8", rescribe the airframe and detail the wheel wells!

Since there's no indication from former "Evil Empire" republics as to a possible new 1/48 Foxbat--Collect-Aire's release of a beeg-but-expensive Foxhound is imminent(1st Quarter)--Bondo Industries is pressing ahead with this "sow's-ear-into-a-silk-purse" project.

Recommended.
 

Review and Images Copyright © 2005 by Phil Brandt
Page Created 10 January, 2005
Last updated 10 January, 2005

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