F-111A Escape Crew Module

Reskit, 1/32 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

An escape crew capsule allows one or more occupants of an aircraft or spacecraft to escape from the craft while it is subjected to extreme conditions, such as high speed or altitude. The occupant remains encapsulated and protected until such time as the external environment is suitable for direct exposure or the capsule reaches the ground

In the 1960s and 1970s, the F-111 and B-1A introduced the method of jettisoning the entire cockpit as a means of crew escape. The crew remained strapped in the cabin, unencumbered by a parachute harness, while 27,000 lbf (120 kN) of thrust from rockets accelerates the module away from the rest of the aircraft.

A single, large parachute retards the descent of the capsule.

On landing, an airbag system cushions the impact. In the event of a water landing the airbag acts as a flotation device. Additional airbags could be activated to right the capsule in the event of a water landing (similar to the Apollo Command Module), or an additional airbag could be selected for auxiliary flotation.

With a movement of a pin at the base of the pilot's control stick, a bilge pump could be activated and extra air pumped into the airbags.

For the F-111 escape capsule, following a successful landing on land or water, it could serve as a survival shelter for the crew until a rescue could be mounted..*

Reskit is a Ukrainian company that manufactures aircraft and military accessories and ordnance.

Although Reskit has offered various cockpit sets in the past, their latest release goes far beyond an accessory. It really is a model entirely in its own right.

Reskit has launched a multi-media 1/32 scale F-111A Escape Crew Module.

The Module is made up from a feast of multimedia parts, all picked for their particular attributes.

The kit is lovingly packaged in one overall box with smaller separate cardboard boxes, plastic bags and foam packaging inside. The contents aare 36 3D printed resin parts, three clear injection moulded parts, two pale grey coloured injection moulded parts, 53 copper plated photo-etched parts on one fret, twelve 3d printed decals, four self-adhesive die-cut canopy masks, one clear acetate sheet, one decal sheet, instructions and colour guide.

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Thumbnail panels:

The main tub is made up from six significant 3d printed resin parts - the tub, front and rear bulkheads, floor (top of the floor and a structurally detailed cover for the bottom) and coaming.

You'll need a razor saw and/or a cutting wheel on a motor tool to remove some of the casting blocks and strips.

The upper floor part will be the biggest challenge. Patience will help.

The good news is that detail and surface textures are simply gorgeous, with panel lines, rows of recessed fine rivets and structural features.

Also, cleanup of the smaller parts will be faster and easier with the more familiar 3d printing mounts with fine printing supports and very narrow attachment points.

Resin detail parts include lower side consoles, control sticks, throttles, switches, ejection pull handles and more.

The resin seats are a real highlight. They are 3d printed resin and they have been printed inside what looks like a milk crate!

The seats themselves are authentically detailed with convincing texture on the cushions and draped harness straps printed along with the seats. Another nice touch is that the straps are subtly different from one seat to the other.

The instrument panel is made up from a flat resin base and twelve 3d printed decals for the various panels, dials, consoles and details. These are beautifully printed and some of the nicest panels that I have seen in this media.

The windscreen and canopy are three large clear injection moulded plastic parts. These are detailed with mirrors, folded blinds, struts and other smaller parts.

Self-adhesive, die-cut canopy masks are included too - very thoughtful.

The canopy windows may be posed open or closed.

Parts are also supplied for two ejection configurtions - ejected or non-ejected.

More than 50 copper plated photo-etched parts are employed for details throughout the cockpit.

A four part plastic and resin stand, reminiscent of the old Airfix swept-back stands, is included.

Markings

Stencils and tactical markings are provided on a small decal sheet.

The markings are in perfect register and colours look good.

This is a comprehensive and clever kit.

The quality of the resin parts, surface textures and printing is very impressive.

Reskit has used a range of appropriate multi-media - 3d printed resin, 3d printed decals, injection moulded plastic, photo-etch and more - to recreate a very complete F-111 Escape Module.

Optional position canopy and ejection parts is another nice touch.

With its supplied mount, this will be an eye catching display piece for experienced modellers.

It is also worth remembering that this Ukrainian company continues to manufacture and distribute their models in the middle of a war. Buying this kit is one small way to support our Ukranian friends.

*Historical background courtesy of Wikipedia

Purchased online from Reskit

Text and Images Copyright © 2023 by Brett Green
Page Created 6 April, 2023
Last updated 7 April, 2023

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