As the product description says, this is an upgrade set to convert the Hobby Boss A-10A to an A-10C cockpit. The base kit comes configured as an A model and the analog instrument panel provided reflects that. In the late 1990s A-10s were upgraded with GPS navigation and other capabilities that required multi-function displays in a reconfigured instrument panel. For that reason, the kit finishing schemes may not be accurate so check your references. This set reflects those changes but the “upgrade’ doesn't stop there. Taking full advantage of 3D printing technology, in addition to the cast cockpit tub, the set includes 3D printed interior frames for the canopy and windscreen, the HUD frame, rear deck and canopy actuator and integral instrument panel and shroud. The detail of these parts is stunning. In particular the inter frames for the clear parts take canopy finish to a new level. The fit of these parts is spot on. As the set is designed, the canopy must be open. Who wouldn't want to do that with the added detail in there? Another bonus is the canopy frame and the rear deck interlock so the position of the canopy is correctly fixed. Two precut clear plastic screens are included to complete the HUB glass reflectors.

At first glance the printing frames might appear difficult to remove since there are a lot of attachment points. I found some careful work with sprue cutters and a sharp knife made quick work of that stage. Instructions are online and provide nice color reference photographs and detailed directions that walk the builder through the process of fitting this set to the kit parts. This amounts to some minor plastic removal for a precise fit. Shouldn’t be a problem for anyone who has used aftermarket resin before. This set is product specific to the Hobby Boss model but comparing it to Tamiya kit, the cockpit tub and instrument panel could be made to fit but the interior clear parts details will not fit. I would also recommend adding one of Phase Hangers excellent ACES II resin seats (parts# 48102, 48115, 48114) to complete this cockpit since the kit part would not measure up to the quality of what is included in this offering.

This and several other detail sets (all of which I will review here) for the A-10 from Phase Hangar are my first experience with 3D printed parts and I’ve been really impressed with fit and finish so far. If you want to update your Hobby Boss Hog, this is a great set to do that with.

Thank you to Phase Hangar for this sample set and IPMS for allowing me share my impressions with all of you.