Aires

1/48 Martin Baker MB Mk.12 Ejection Seat for British Harriers For the Any 1/48 Harrier GR.5/7/9 and Sea Harrier FA.2

Stock Number: 4419

Reviewed By  Paul Bradley, IPMS# 35554

MSRP: Euros 7.70 (approx. $11) Website: www.aires.cz Here's another useful resin accessory from Aires. A problem with the British versions of the Hasegawa 1/48 AV-8B is that the kit only includes a seat suitable for the US versions - the Stencil, rather than the proper Martin-Baker Mk. 12. This replacement solves that problem neatly. The seat itself is very cleanly cast in one piece with no flaws or pinholes visible. The set include a small photo-etched fret holding a comprehensive harness set, consisting of 20 small parts. I'm not a big lover of PE, and this set proved to be no exception, as the many tiny parts drove me to distraction; however, if you like that sort of thing, a very convincing harness will result. Unfortunately, no painting instructions are included, so reference to photos online is obligatory. This is a shame, as it is otherwise a nice little package that enhances the model. Otherwise, I can highly recommend it. While I had no Hasegawa Harrier, I do have the Airfix Sea Harrier FA.2 kit - this aircraft also uses the MB.12. As can be seen from the photo, this resin seat is a vast improvement over the very poor offering in that kit, and would be an ideal accessory. Indeed, any 1/48 Harrier GR.5/7/9 and Sea Harrier FA.2 (but NOT the FRS.1!) kit would benefit from this seat. My thanks to the good folks at Aires for the review sample; please visit their website at www.aires.cz for full details of this and other products. Aires products are available directly from the www.modelchoice.net website and from all good hobby retailers in the US and overseas.