Spitfire Mk.V
Cockpit Set for Hasegawa

Aires, 1/32 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Aires' 1/32 scale Spitfire V Cockpit will available online from Squadron.com
 

Hasegawa's 1/32 scale Spitfire V kit dates from the 1970s, but it is a fundamentally decent and accurate kit. However, the cockpit and other detail areas reflect the age of the kit. Aires has addressed this shortcoming with a brand new resin and photo-etched cockpit

Aires' 1/32 scale Spitfire V cockpit set is a full replacement for the Hasegawa kit's front office comprising eleven parts in yellow resin and a photo-etched fret, with printed acetate instruments.

The set is broken down into two sidewalls and a fuselage floor section, all with plenty of detail cast in place. The bottom of the cockpit will appear "floorless", as it does on the real Spitfire. Resin parts are also supplied for the two rear bulkheads, the instrument panel mount, seat mount, seat, control column and gunsight. A separate entry door is also provided.

The harness, rudder pedals and instrument panel are all supplied as photo-etched parts. The set is completed with printed acetate instruments.

The parts in both sets are presented in yellow coloured resin. Casting is flawless, and quite impressive considering the level of detail delivered in only eleven parts.

I have noticed that, in Aires' latest generation of releases, detail is crisper than ever before, casting blocks are generally less imposing and parts breakdown is simpler (fewer parts with no compromise in detail). These benefits are all apparent in this new accessory set for Hasegawa's 1/32 scale Spitfire V.

It is almost inevitable that plenty of planning, thinning and test-fitting will be required to fit this cockpit, but if you are prepared to spend the extra time on these essential tasks the process will be more rewarding and the final result will be tidier. In common with any major resin accessories, some previous experience will be helpful.

Aires 1/32 scale cockpit will add significant detail to this important area of Hasegawa's Spitfire V kit. It is also appropriate for the Hasegawa 1/32 scale Spitfire Mk.VI, plus the more recent Mk I and the Revell re-boxing of the same model..

Highly Recommended to experienced modellers.

Thanks to Aires for the sample

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

Review Copyright © 2007 by Brett T. Green
This Page Created on 21 March, 2007
Last updated 24 December, 2007

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page