Yak-38 Forger A (Mid Production) Cockpit Set (for HobbyBoss)

[Mike]

Yak-38 Forger A (Mid Production) Cockpit Set (for HobbyBoss)

1:48 Aires (4550)

The Hobby Boss kit of this unusual looking beast is pretty good overall, but the cockpit is a little on the bare side, and as it is the focus of attention to most viewers, it needs work. Aires have produced this set to improve the modeller's lot in this department, providing a complete drop-in replacement for the kit cockpit tub, new ejection seat, updated and detailed instrument panel and coaming, plus a full set of seatbelts.

The set arrives in a clamshell package, and is protected by a piece of foam backing, with the Photo-Etch (PE) parts secured to the front of the package by a black backing card that is taped to the case. Inside are four separate resin parts, three casting blocks containing multiple parts, a PE sheet and an acetate sheet for the instrument panel.

The main tub requires the removal of the moulded in detail and supports on the inside of the nose area, as well as the raised part of the coaming, so that the tub, the new sidewall skins and the super-detailed new coaming can be installed. The instrument panel is made up from a layer of resin that acts as the backing, and should be painted white, with the acetate sheet applied next, with the white showing through the dials printed on the sheet. The final layer of PE gives the relief of the bezels, switches etc., onto which a number of smaller parts are glued. This can all be assembled using Klear or another gloss varnish as the "glue", in order to keep everything nice and tidy. The control column and rudder pedals are included, with small PE and resin parts adding extra detail to the cockpit area. The glazing gets a set of side-rails, plus some resin parts for the windscreen, and inside the windscreen a PE gunsight with acetate sheet glass is installed along with a choice of little resin widgets, the use of which I can't divine.

The seat is built up from two main parts, the headbox and the main seat pan. The main ram up the back is a separate part, as are the two arm-rests and another ancillary piece on the left hand side. The control box on the left arm is also a separate part, and some copper wire is included to attach the assembly to the cockpit interior to simulate the wiring and hoses that facilitate the operation of life support systems. The seat is then festooned with belts, which on first inspection are bewildering, but if you take each assembly one at a time, you will end up with some rather realistic looking belts. The leg restraint straps are supplied as PE parts, to which you add some wire for the synching straps that pull the straps tight in the event of an ejection. Sensibly, the handle that activates the ejection sequence is supplied as a PE part, with its base being moulded into the seat. This means that the part can be installed at the last opportunity, to reduce its chances of being damaged during handling.

Conclusion

Aires have a reputation for quality in casting, and this shines through here, with so much detail in crisp relief. The seat back is beautifully done, so that it's almost a shame to hide it away in the cockpit, and once the belts are draped upon the resin base, it is a model in itself. Sidewall detail is excellent, and the coaming is very sharply done. The inclusion of PE to round out the detail is good news, as it does so many things that resin and styrene can't do that well.

Highly recommended.

Review samples courtesy of

distributed in the UK by Hannants Ltd.