The EF-2000A Typhoon, otherwise known as the Eurofighter Typhoon, the one of the latest generations of advanced technology fighters. Since its debut, several kits have been released, including the Revell and Trumpeter 1/32 scale kits. While I have not yet seen the Revell kit, the Trumpeter version is a great kit, but sadly is lacking in the pilot’s office. Once again, Aires to the rescue! Aires has released a great cockpit set for the Typhoon. While the set is designed for the Revell kit, I found it also fits great in the Trumpeter kit. The set is cast resin with a high level of detail, and few, if any, casting defects. The set also includes a set of flexible cast oxygen hoses, a clear cast HUD glass, and a fret of photo-etched metal parts.

Assembly of the resin cockpit is fairly simple, though I did find the PE seatbelts to be rather confusing. I eventually assembled them my own way, and I think they look fine. The resin set goes way beyond the detail of the kit parts, including all the detail behind the pilot’s seat in the rear of the canopy. It also includes a set of very delicate canopy side rails. Be careful with these, as I ended up breaking mine more than once.

Once built and painted, the cockpit is a detailer’s dream. I truly believe that Aires managed to get every single button and switch in their correct place. Some dry-brushing and detailed picking with a 00 brush and the cockpit becomes the crowning jewel of the 1/32 typhoon.

My thanks to Aires for providing this great cockpit for review and to IPMS/USA for allowing me to review it.