Aires

1/48 MiG-17F Fresco C Cockpit For the Hobbycraft kit

Stock Number: 4407

Reviewed By  Michael Novosad, IPMS# 36721

MSRP: $17.50 Website: www.aires.cz Introduction I often purchase a new kit and stash it away until the urge to build it strikes me, or I learn of aftermarket enhancements that I cannot resist. I am a bit fussy, and normally will not buy aftermarket parts unless they truly add something to the model and the building enjoyment. Price also is a factor in my decision-making process. The Hobby Boss MiG-17F Fresco C is a perfect example of this trait. This early jet has a real esthetic appeal to me, and the many paint and natural metal schemes make it a desirable addition to my collection. The Kit Parts

The kit-furnished seat consists of three parts: two sides and the seat with integral back and headrest. The seat back cushion and headrest include some detail to represent the sewed cushion seams. The cockpit tub is built-up with a floor with back, two sidewalls, a front bulkhead, the instrument panel and the control column. The instrument panel has raised details that represent the various dials and panels. Some wiring and conduits are represented on the tub sidewalls. Two prominent ejector pin marks are located on the floor just behind what appear to be rudder pedal stirrups. These marks should not pose a problem to eliminate. The cockpit side walls attach to the floor with butt joints, and will require some care to assemble. The seat sides are also butt joints. The surface details look busy enough to satisfy most modelers, but in my opinion falls between soft and crisp. Overall all OK, but there is always room for improvement. The Aftermarket Parts The kit parts are packaged in a clear bubble pack with a stiff paper backer. The resin parts are enclosed in the large bubble, and the photo etched parts and acetate instruments are packed in a flat bubble just above the resin. The resin parts consist of the cockpit tub (floor, sidewalls and rear bulkhead are one part), the instrument panel with combing is a second casting, while the seat and rudder bar share a common casting bock. The kit control column is noted to be used in the build. It would appear that some minor surgery will be required to remove the less-detailed kit cockpit front combing for replacement with the resin part. The casting blocks do not appear to pose any problems with removal. There was some minor flash on the instrument backer part. The photo etched parts are brass and will require careful painting . Seat belts and pads are included, as are a few small levers and the throttle. The instrument panel is a sandwich construction with the resin backer, a film with the dials and the photo etch instrument panel face. The dials will align with the several openings in the instrument panel face. Dials faces could simulated with Future, Krystal Klear or epoxy. The film also includes clear reflector parts for the gun sight. Some very careful cutting and trimming will be required to use the clear parts.

The instructions are offered on a single sheet of blue paper, printed on both sides. Exploded views clearly detail each sub-assembly and the various parts used in that step.

The kit fuselage is comprised of four parts. The cockpit section has two parts and the engine portion has the remaining two parts. On each side of the fuselage at the cockpit there are two attachment tabs. The rear tab is an angled fork that aligns with a tab on the cockpit subassembly, and the other tab fits into a notch in the bottom of the cockpit. The resin replacement parts also include the same mounting features. The fit was perfect. References

I used the Google images search to obtain images of the MiG-17 cockpit and ejection seat. The first reference was www.militaryfactory.com offered and image of a rather scruffy MiG-17 cockpit, while www.ejectionsite.com offered an image of the ejection seat. Both images should offer good reference for colors. Conclusion Once again Aires offer the modeler with a quality replacement. The fine detail will be a pleasant addition to the Hobby Boss MiG-17F Fresco C. The bubble canopy, whether left open or closed, will allow the fine detail to be seen, which makes this a worthwhile addition to this model. And once again this aftermarket kit is highly recommended. With receipt of this review kit, my Hobby Boss MiG-17F has risen to the top of the to build next list. Now, I just need to decide what scheme to use……………. Thanks David Lajer and Aires for the review sample.