P-38J Lightning Cockpit

True Details, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Dale Smith

True Details' 1/48 scale P-38J Lightning cockpit is available online from Squadron.com

Received recently from Squadron Mail Order is the 'True Details' re-release of the ex- KMC set 48-6012 to suit the 1/48 Hasegawa P-38J Lightning.

The set provides a complete new cockpit that encompasses the following:

• main cockpit flooring and seat support with the battery area behind the seat,

• a new seat with molded harnesses,

• a new instrument panel, 

• two new cockpit side panels.

No control column is provided with the instructions stating that the standard kit supplied part is to be used. Paint colour options used with the FS numbers are provided in the instructions as well as a basic assembly cutaway drawing.

I found all the castings to be excellent with no distortion or air bubbles. Casting blocks are not overly large so cleanup will be quite easy.

Detail provided on the instrument panel is very good.This will be enhanced with some careful dry brushing when painted. Watch the throttle and mixture levers on the port sidewall as they are very small and could be easily broken off during construction as they sit quite proud of the sidewall upper edge.

The small amount of dry fitting that I did with my P-38J showed that the set will fit the recommended Hasegawa kit without any dramas.

It is nice to see the 'KMC' masters being re-released by 'True Details'. With some careful painting and construction, they will dress up the standard of the P-38J kit by Hasegawa remarkably.  

Recommended.

Thanks to Squadron Mail Order for the review sample

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2004 by Dale Smith
Page Created 08 December, 2004
Last updated 08 December, 2004

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