Aires has developed a highly detailed cockpit for the Trumpeter 1/32 A-4 Skyhawk. This set includes twenty highly detailed grey resin parts and one clear resin part, plus a photo etched sprue which includes the seat belts, rear views mirrors, and other small details to add to the cockpit.

Not unlike their other cockpit kits, the fit of the cockpit tub is pretty much on the money, but some sanding will be necessary for a perfect fit. The quality of the resin is up there where one has come to expect the great quality from Aires, which is truly fantastic. I found no bubbles or missing corners anywhere on the parts. There is some minor flash, but a few licks from a sanding stick or the like will handle it with no problem at all. I did make sure to wash the parts with mild detergent because there was a lot of the releasing agent present.

The only problem was in fitting the upper instrument panel beneath the coaming, but I think that was my error and not the kit’s. Aires did include a clear resin piece for the instrument panel with a plastic film to place behind it. Another option would be to paint and dry brush the details, but I chose to use the plastic film which I found to be easier and look just as well. The side panels, although not highly visible, adds a more realistic “feel” when viewing the cockpit completed and from above.

A lot of the small parts are very fragile, so the utmost care has to be taken when cutting them off the resin block. The detail of all the parts is very crisp, which adds realism to every corner of the tub. The Trumpeter parts are not bad, but this set will definitely step it up to a higher level, especially for builders who like that extra degree of detail and realism. This set is definitely worth the extra time and effort to build and I recommend this to anyone who has a true appreciation for detail. One should have some experience with the assembly of resin parts, but even novices should be able to get by with knowing how to use and apply ca glue.

Once again, I would like to express my thanks to Aires Hobby Models for sending us these samples for review, and IPMS/USA for giving me the opportunity to review them.