CMK DH.82 Tiger Moth Resin Updates (for Airfix) 1:48

[Mike]

DH.82 Tiger Moth Resin Updates (for Airfix)

1:48 CMK by Special Hobby

 

 

 

Airfix’s new kit of the Tiger Moth in 1:48 has proved very popular, selling out at Airfix soon after release, but still available from their distributers.  Aftermarket was inevitable, and here is a large handful from CMK, Special Hobby’s resin division.  As usual with CMK's resin sets, they arrive in the familiar clear vacformed box that has a hanger cut-out, with the resin parts safely inside, and the instructions sandwiched between the header card at the rear.  Decals and Photo-Etch (PE) when included are separated from the resin parts by a clear piece of acetate to prevent scratching and damage during transit.

 

Cockpit Correction Set (4407)

This comprehensive set requires no adaptation of the kit and contains 32 resin parts, plus a set of PE parts and decals for the instrument panel.  A colour diagram shows the correct painting and decaling of the instrument panels, then the resin cockpit floor is detailed with resin and PE parts, plus a central raised section and rudder pedals, plus crew seats with belts.  The sidewalls are similarly detailed with more parts, and wire from your own stock is added according to instructions, after which the new cockpit can be put into the fuselage and finished off with the protective leather bumpers at the front of the instructor and student’s coamings.  Painting guidance is shown in colour throughout the instructions using colour names rather than numbers from a specific brand.

 

 

 

 

Control Surfaces (4408)

This set of fifteen resin parts includes all the flying surfaces, requiring only the ailerons to be removed from the wings with a razor saw, to be replaced by the resin parts and the small resin actuators.  The tail is a drop-in replacement with separate fins, elevators and ridder parts, plus tiny triangular attachment arms for the actuators on each surface.

 

 

 

 

Luggage Box (4409)

Requiring a cut-out of the door on the fuselage, this three-part set includes a bay that extends the full width of the fuselage, a soft bag, and a replacement door for the area cut away.  You will need to check your references for the correct colour for the bay, as there are no call-outs in the instructions.

 

 

 

 

Exterior Set (4410)

This four-part set includes a new highly detailed top cowling, plus a ribbed fuel tank with some exquisite detail, filler cap and vent, all of which is a straight forward drop-in replacement improvement to realism.

 

 

 

 

 

Main Wheels & Tail Skid (4411)

The kit wheels are each single parts, but have a mould seam to clean up, which is where these resin wheels come in, as well as offering a choice of two styles of hub on the inner face, and three on the outer.  They’re a drop-in replacements, as is the rear skid that is moulded in a tougher black resin to resist breakage or bending over time.

 

 

 

 

Main Wheels & Tail Wheel (4413)

The kit wheels are each single parts, but have a mould seam to clean up, which is where these resin wheels come in, as well as offering a choice of two styles of hub on the inner face, and three on the outer.  They’re a drop-in replacement, as is the tiny rear wheel that is moulded in a tougher black resin to resist breakage or bending over time.

 

 

 

 

Cockpit Entry Hatches (4412)

These are replacement parts for the kit hatches, which although they are reasonably thin for styrene moulding, they appear quite clumsy and thick by comparison to these wafer-thin resin ones.  There are four hatches in total, all attached tenuously to their pour blocks, facilitating easy removal with a sharp blade.  They’re drop-in replacements, so once removed and cleaned up, there’s nothing more to it.

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

You can pick and choose the areas of interest that you want to detail to suit your needs, budget and skillset. As you can see, the detail is sublime.

 

Very highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of

[Mike]

Review updated with new wheels & tail wheel (as opposed to the earlier skid), and some lovely thin open hatch doors for the sides of the two cockpits.