P-39Q Airacobra
 Cockpit Set

True Details, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Dale Smith

True Details' 1/48 scale P-39Q Airacobra cockpit is available online from Squadron.com

Received recently for review is another 'True Details re-release of an Ex-KMC resin cockpit. This time it is item no. 49009 for the P-39Q Airocobra.

This set was originally released by KMC to fit the Monogram-ProModeler kit.

Included in the traditional 'True Details' packaging are 13 resin pieces in a creamy resin. Parts that are supplied include:

• Cockpit floor that has a nice representation of the drive shaft that ran from behind the cockpit to the propellor.

• Pilots seat with molded harnesses.

• Nose wheel well.

• Port and starboard cockpit doors and inner cockpit sidewalls.

• Battery shelf behind pilots seat.

• Control column.

• Throttle quadrant.

• Gunsight and Instrument panel.

There was one other resin piece ( Part 9 ) but I was unable to ascertain what it was (see instruction sheet.). I do not have a detailed drawing or picture of a P-39Q cockpit in my reference library so it appears it may be a undercarriage retraction lever or a fuel pump lever.??

All of the parts are nicely cast with excellent detail and no air bubbles present. The instrument panel detail is exceptional. The two cockpit doors supplied are cast in a way that the thin resin of the windows is removed/cut away and replaced by the modeler, either using thin clear plastic sheet cut to shape or modifying the kit supplied clear parts. The only fault I was able to find in any of the parts was in the very tip of the nose wheel well casting where it appears that the mold may be getting a bit old or something was caught in the mold rubber. Not a real problem but it would be difficult to remove if you did not have access to a 'Dremel' style drill or a grinding tool to remove the imperfection. As in my earlier review of the P-47 cockpit I also found the same difficulty is present in the removal of the pilots seat from the casting block. The rear detail of the seat ends below the seat base so careful removal is needed. No cut and sand in this area so take care when you remove it. The whole cockpit is complete using a blend of kit parts and this set so a very detailed result is achieved. No painting or colour instructions are given so you will have to use your own references or use the donor kit instructions.

This is another very welcome return of the old 'KMC' molds by True Details. All of the ingredients are there for a very detailed cockpit and all that is needed is a little patience and careful painting to bring it all together.

Recommended.

Thanks to Squadron for the review sample

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2004 by Dale Smith
Page Created 10 December, 2004
Last updated 12 December, 2004

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