The new Airfix P-40B is an excellent example of the iconic fighter made famous by the Flying Tigers. The kit is nice but there are some things in the cockpit that need to be ‘fixed’. Aires has released this new cockpit set for the kit.

Inside the typical Aires blister pack are 21 pieces molded in light grey resin. My example was flawless despite damage to the blister package. The set also has a small fret of photoetch that includes the instrument panel and seatbelts. A film of acetate is also provided for the instruments.

This set will require some thinning of the sidewalls to get it to fit properly. But once you get past that, the set fits together simply and easily. The parts breakdown is very similar to the kit breakdown. The pour stubs are easy enough to remove.

This set only includes the rounded back seat common on American versions of this fighter. If you are going to do the flat back RAF type of seat, you’ll have to get the seat from another source or use the kit part.

The detail on the sidewalls is exquisite. The whole set looks impressive and will upgrade the kit cockpit quite nicely. The use of PE and film is the tried and true method.

This is another great set from Aires. The only downside is the seat which only allows you to build the USAAF version of this fighter. If you are going to upgrade your Airfix Tomahawk this is the one upgrade to do to it. You will have to thin the plastic to get a good fit but don’t let that deter you. You’ll be rewarded with a perfect cockpit that will set your model apart.

Thanks to Aires and IPMS/USA for the review copy. You can obtain yours by contacting them at www.aires.czor at your local hobby shop or online retailer.