Flogger G Mig-23ML Cockpit set - 1:48 Aires

[Mike]

Mig-23ML Cockpit set
1:48 Aires

Since the release of the new Trumpeter kits of the Flogger, the deluge of aftermarket has been intense. This cockpit set addresses the most visible detail area of any kit and takes the standard cockpit, throws it out and replaces it with a highly detailed resin and Photo-Etch (PE) replacement.

Arriving in a standard bubble-pack with card header, the card is held in place with a pair of very sturdy staples that might cost you a fingernail if you don't use an extractor. Inside is a sheet of PE and clear acetate are taped into the flat area of the box, and four casting blocks of resin containing nice individual parts. The PE sheet is small, but packed with detail for the ejector seat's belt system, which is complex. The seat itself is split between the main part and the headbox, which glue together and then the seatbelt installation takes place. They aren't pre-painted, so you can anneal them to get them to bend easier, which is nice, as although painted PE looks good, it can be a little stiff at times.

The cockpit is a single piece tub with some stunning detail, onto which the sidewalls fit along with the rest of the resin in the shape of the control column and some small instruments that sit within the kit windscreen. The instrument coaming and panel are moulded together, and a multi-layer lamination of PE and acrylic sheet to make up the instrument panel sections. The acetate needs to be painted white on the rear to show up the printed dials, and the finished article should take some beating. Fit between the coaming and cockpit tub is very snug, and the lines disappear once properly seated due to clever positioning of the break-lines. Another piece of acetate is used for the HUD, which again has its outline pre-printed to aid in accurate cutting of the part. A little clear green paint around the edge should make it look just like the real thing.

The canopy is retained, but PE interior framing is added along with rear-view mirrors and a long part that drops down into the cockpit, the positioning of which is described by two cut-away diagrams from different angles.

Conclusion
It's a lovely set with buckets of detail, and with careful painting should look very good. Judging by the shape of the tub, it should need only the large rectangular casting block removed from the bottom to fit into the fuselage halves.

Very highly recommended.

Review samples courtesy of

distributed in the UK by Hannants Ltd.

[Diamondbacks VF-102]

lets hope it fits. You never know with Aires. But its loaded with detail...

[IGKent]

Nice resin. What about precision in cockpit?