F-4D Phantom II (Late Version) Cockpit Set
Packaged in a plastic vacuformed package in typical Aires style, this set is designed for the Academy kit. Granted the F-4D has not been released yet but it is probably the next release from Academy. There is a lot of resin inside the packaging. The photo etch fret is quite nice.
Molded in light grey resin the resin displays impressive detail and immaculate casting. The biggest piece is the cockpit tub with the side controls molded in place. This is impressive to say the least. I do wish that Aires would embrace the pre-painted instrument panels. That is in no way a ding on this set. The sandwich type panel will be quite nice and hard enough to see under the glare shield. What is nice is that you are provided with an extra side controllers for both cockpits just in case they get broke in transit.
The ejection seats are very nicely cast. They are complimented with photo etch belts and handles. Speaking of the photo etch, there is a single fret of brass photo etch. The fret contains parts for the seats, instrument panels and canopy locks. This is a logical breakdown of photo etch and resin. The instrument panels are set up as a sandwich with the photo etch, clear acetate and the resin backing.
There is a sheet of clear acetate with the instruments printed on them. You will need to paint the back white to bring out the details.
The instructions are printed on an A4 sized page front and back with easy to understand photos. The only place where I had questions was the canopy latches on the cockpit sill. Other than that everything else is easy to understand.
This is Aires so you will need to thin the cockpit sidewalls of both the kit and the resin parts. Others will complain about having to do this but Aires is the most realistic size you’re going to find on a conversion kit. Go slow and ensure you get a good fit.
This cockpit set is everything you will need to make your Phantom come to life. The whole cockpit is broken down logically. You will need to thin the side consoles to get a perfect fit but it is easily within the abilities of most modelers who have experience with resin and photo etch.
Thanks to Aires and IPMS/USA for the review copy.
Reviewer Bio
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Building models since the age of 7, I’ve become known for my Bf-109s and helicopters. I currently run Werner’s Wings. I was previously the ‘star’ of the Master Class Model Building Video series. I’ve been published numerous times on various website, including Hyperscale and ARC. My work has been in FSM and Great Scale Modeling 2001, as well as, numerous other model magazines. I’m a published author with my Squadron/Signal Walkaround book on the Kiowa Warrior. My models have continuously won many regional and national awards. My unique model photography gives my models instant recognition for their historical perspective.
I’m a retired from the Army after 21 years of flying Cobras and Kiowa Warriors, including tours in Iraq, Bosnia, Korea, and Germany. I’m also a retired Flight Officer for the Baltimore City Police and flew their helicopters chasing bad guys. I’m currently flying Cobras and Hueys with the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation.
I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart, Yvonne, for 42 years. Our daughters have blessed us with six grandchildren. My passions continue to be his family, friends, helicopters, models and airplanes, especially the Bf-109 and my beloved AH-1 Cobra. My motto has always been - MODELING IS FUN!
Comments
Add new comment
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.