Fred Rick Boucher was pretty impressed when he reviewed Hobby Boss's AH-1F and AH-1S some time ago, complimenting the nicely appointed cockpits. Nevertheless, I doubt that the styrene parts can match the level of detail in two new resin upgrade sets released by the Czech firm, Pavla Models.

Set's 72082 and '083 are a core group of cockpit components, with '082 (illustrated here) going one stage further and including an ammunition bay as well.

The breakdown of the grey resin parts is as followed

17 x pieces for the pilot's and gunner's cockpits

6 x parts for the ammo bay

The casting on the review samples is basically perfect; there are no bubbles or other flaws visible, and just a minimum of wafer thin "flash" to clean off some of the smaller parts.

The resin parts completely replace the Hobby Boss cockpit, comprising quite a substantial tub for both "offices", into which fit nicely rendered seats with cast-on harnesses, pedals, controls and gunsights, side panels, plus a pair of well detailed instrument panels.

The upgrade is accompanied by a beautifully drawn set of instructions which include comprehensive colour notes keyed to each stage.

Fitting the ammo bay requires some simple surgery to remove the access panels. The bay itself is an open 3-part box into which fits a neat ammo pack for the nose gun, plus new doors to pose open.

Set 07082 - AH-1 S/F Cockpit & Ammo Bay costs 13.25 €
Set 07833 - AH-1 S/F Cockpit costs 11.75 €

Conclusion

Pavla Models' sets for the AH-1 look simple to use and should make a big difference, taking an already good kit to the next level of detailing. Recommended.

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