This is a color photo etch set for the cockpit and ejection sets of Trumpeter’s new Su-24MR Fencer E kit. While the kit’s molded in details are not bad, this set really spruces up the cockpit.

As expected from Eduard, the set really enhances the kit parts. For example, there are 13 photo etch parts for each ejection set including a new back cushion, shoulder and lap belts, the oxygen and G-suit connectors, two fold down armrests and the between the knees butterfly ejection handles. The parts fit very well, however, it appears that the instructions were actually prepared for a different kit or a pre-production version of the kit, as they instruct you to cut off or remove parts that are not on the kit seats. One other issue is that the photo etch sheet is painted on just one side, but there are several parts such as the ejection handles and the back seat cushion that you have to fold, exposing the unpainted side of the part, and then you have to see how close you can come to matching the color on the rest of the part. The red on the back side of the ejection handles is easy; the light blue on the back seat cushion is not.

The set includes a new instrument panel, but surprisingly the instructions do not tell you to remove all of the molded on details, just those on the small inset panel, before installing the new main instrument panel, but you should do so anyway to improve the fit. However, once installed, the panel looks really nice! The set includes a replacement panel for the right cockpit sidewall and a few additional panels for the left cockpit sidewall.

The set includes replacement panels for the cockpit tubs with photo etch levers that presumably represent the throttles and gear levers. There is also a new top panel for the central divider between the ejection seats. Finally there is a new head’s-up display with a clear piece of acetate for the combining glass.

This set really dresses up the Fencer’s cockpit and looks great. The seats look very impressive with all the additional parts. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Eduard for the review sample and to IPMS-USA for letting me review it.