HobbyBoss issued a new and more modern F-111 kit a while back (2010 I think) replacing the aging Academy kits. It had a lot of features and for styrene, a decent but simplified cockpit. It was missing seat belts, detail on the instrument panel and other parts. Reskit for Kyiv, Ukraine to the rescue with a magnificent, highly detailed multimedia cockpit. Opening the box, there are 42 3D printed parts, 4 injection molded parts (the canopy and windscreen), a masking set and a fret with dozens on photoetched parts. Preparation starts by removing the supports on the 3D parts. I warmed mine a little with a hair dryer and used a hobby knife and sprue nipper and the part were free quickly. I used a sanding stick to remove any nubs and we were good. One note here, there are instructions to assemble and build the seats and add photoetch belts. In the kit, I found two perfectly printed seats but no mention of them. I used them as the seat belts looked better than the photoetched.

Background About ResKit

ResKit products are designed and manufactured in Kyiv, Ukraine. Founded in 2015, the company produces high-quality, detailed resin aftermarket parts, engines, wheels, and conversion kits for scale model aircraft, armor, and dioramas. Despite the ongoing war, they continue to produce and ship their products from Ukraine.

Historcal Notes

There is a considerable amount of information regarding this system, and I feel some place for further research is needed. I recommend using Wikipedia and searching for “AGM-130C” for a wealth of information.

Product Description

I should mention that there is another resin option by another manufacturer for this same weapon set, but it is not nearly as detailed or precise, which is quickly evident, especially in the surface details. While this kit is shown for the pylon for an F-16I, F-15E and F-111F, I believe you’ll also find photos showing it mounted on other aircraft as well.

Packaging and Product

The sample review I received came in a nicely packed blister pack as do all SAC metal landing gears sets. There are no instructions included, but the set goes together in the same format as the intended kit parts [Italeri].

Review Process

I separated the tires from the white metal pour stubs by using an X-acto blade & fine sprue snips. I then cleaned up the parts with files and a brass wire brush w/ a Dremel tool. The Dremel tool needs to be done in a slow and methodical manner as to not damage the parts. The effort is well worth it since it polishes the white metal to a high shine for later washes.

Working on these makes me want to buy the kit just so I can add the crew!!

ResKit is doing some crisp lines, creases, and detail work. The resin comes off the supports cleanly without risk of breaking or chipping. The attachment points are very fine and placed in inconspicuous places, behind the legs and the back of the helmet for example. Another thing I’ve noticed in my ResKit reviews of late is that the resin is very easy to sand. It takes almost no effort with some 400 grit wet-sand paper to clean these up without a trace of the connections.

The instructions are easy to interpret and include a color chart in a neutral choice of green, grey, and khaki. These skycranes have seen all kinds of service so I expect many modelers will identify their uniform of choice. Both collective and stick are well detailed and the attachment point at the hand is going to be very solid. There’s a lot of glass in the skycrane cockpit and these figures will definitely shine!

ResKit has provided the IPMS reviewer corps with a new 3D resin printed Aces II ejection seat for the A-10A/C Thunderbolt II in 1/48th scale.

In the Package and Product Notes

There is one 3D printed resin seat packaged in a small but very sturdy cardboard box. It is printed with a sturdy travel frame along with foam inserts for extra protection. A small decal sheet is provided for the stencils and a well-illustrated instruction sheet for paint and decal placement.

Review Process

Removal of the seat starts with cutting away the protective frame. Then carefully removing the support piers. The printing is so fine at the contact points that no sanding was necessary to clean up any support nubs.