| V.M.D. Studios, Inc | |
| Black Box 1/32 MiG-29M Cockpit | |
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kit number CS32036 |
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Reviewed By Charles Landrum, #26328 |
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MSRP: $40.00 USD V.M.D. Studios, Inc. P.O. Box 607 Rowlesburg, WV 26425 Phone: (304) 454-2410 Toll free: 1-888-863-7661 Fax: 304-454-2022 E-mail: Vmdstudios@aol.com My thanks to Jef Verswyvel, Mr. Black Box, for this review set. This offering by Black Box provides a cockpit that is significant improvement over the one in the kit. With 42 parts, the Trumpeter MiG-29K cockpit has a good level of detail for a kit cockpit, however in this scale there is room for so much more. Jef answers the call and faithfully replicates the complexity of wires and control found in the cockpit of a late MiG-29. This set by Black Box has 18 parts, most devoted to details on the K-36 ejection seat. Jef has kept the parts count low by casting many of the details right into the cockpit tub, making assembly worry free. |
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| The Black Box set is designated MiG-29M, which is a land-based derivative of the MiG-29K. While there are differences between the actual cockpits, they are minor and this set will work equally as well in the MiG-29K. If you are a purist, you MiGht want to make the minor changes required, but few will notice the differences the cockpits are that close. Dry fitting reveals that you will need to do some work where the instrument panel meets the combing, since the combing on the “K” variant is different than that on the “M”. | |
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| The cockpit tub is only a two-part assembly, with one sidewall left off in order to provide access to all of the detail. This method makes it so that you only have to align one part in order to achieve a good fit it in the fuselage. In case you are wondering the Black Box tub is a drop in fit, you don’t even have to remove the pour block. It is clear the Jef used the kit tub as the basis of his offering, but don’t think that Black Box just added a few wires. Jef corrected many of the inaccuracies and lack of detail in the Trumpeter tub. Particularly nice are the rudder pedals cast integral to the tub. But the most noticeable are the cables leading to the circuit breaker box. It is a mass of spaghetti that replicates the look of the real cockpit. If you have never seen Jef demonstrate his technique, each one of those wires is made from epoxy putty that is uniformly rolled into long strands. With all of the prominent detail and undercuts I wonder how Black Box gets the castings from the molds! The overall cockpit color is Light Ghost Gray FS36375. You can find reference photos of instrument panels of the “K” variant cockpit on the web. The sidewalls and the circuit breaker box are harder to find, but these areas are close to that of the MiG-29A in appearance. | |
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| The control column and the instrument panel are also nicely rendered. The control column captures the complexity of the real thing and a far better representation that the one in the kit. The instrument panel is also nicely done; the multi-function displays are particularly noteworthy. The panel is cast solid with blank instrument faces, so you will need to provide your own instruments. Unlike most of their other sets, Black Box has not provided a HUD because the 5-piece HUD provided in the kit is accurate. So keep the kit parts and you will find that they fit onto the top of the instrument panel with only a little filing. | |
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The K-36 seat is another jewel and one of the best I have seen in any
scale. 13 parts are used it assembly, mostly small details that
complement the high level of detail on the basic seat. Much of the frame
detail low on the seat sides and back will be hidden once installed, but
enjoy it during assembly. The leather cushions are also nicely rendered.
The instructions provide a clear, detailed painting guide for the seat,
which are a big help. Overall the cockpit is a great enhancement to the kit and really gives the front office a “jump in and take her for a spin” feel. Highly recommended! |
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