Aires

1/48 F6F-5 Hellcat Cockpit For the Eduard Hellcat

Item # 4394

Reviewed by  Bob Ulrich, IPMS# 35901

MSRP: $23.50 Website: www.aires.cz The original idea for this review was to combine my Eduard Hellcat kit review and the Aires cockpit in one build. Aires' instructions note that thinning of plastic parts and fitting may be required, and if you have ever used their products you know that can be an understatement. In the case of the Hellcat, I thought I would use the extra fuselage contained in the kit as a test bed for fitting the resin parts. After several sessions of grinding, sanding, fitting and getting frustrated, I abandoned the attempt to fit the Aires cockpit in the kit review build. The set is typical of Aires quality, which is to say very, very nice. The resin pieces features a level of detail far beyond even the kit's photo etch parts, especially in things like wiring and plumbing details. As usual, a small PE fret is included for seat harnesses, instrument panels and other parts best done in brass. Based on my experience, this set can be fitted to the Eduard kit, and should look great when it is, but the fitting process is lengthy and difficult. The problem with this is that there can be a fine line between getting things thinned enough to fit and destroying them. Once you cross that line the game is over. Nevertheless, I do recommend this set for those seeking the ultimate detailed Hellcat cockpit and who are willing and able to take the time to get it right.