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In-Box Review
172
Aermacchi MB 339 Cockpit Set
Designed for the Italeri / Supermodel kit
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by: Tim Hatton [ LITESPEED ]

Contents

All the contents are contained in a transparent vac formed blister pack. It contains:

-1 x vac formed canopy.
-1 x cockpit tub.
-2 x Martin Baker seats.
-2 x instrument panels.
-2 x HUD’s
-2 x control sticks.
-2 x throttle levers.
-2 x part canopy brace and hydraulic ram.
-4 x rudder pedals.
-2 x small instruction and painting guides.

The Canopy: the single piece vac form looks very good, formed in a strong clear plastic, nothing flimsy about this. The opening part of the canopy and the windscreen is separated by about 5mm of excess plastic so there should be no problems separating them.

The two Martin Baker bang seats look the business. Again there is some lovely detail including harnesses, harness fastenings, cushions and seat firing rings. The rails on the back of the seats are also reproduced. Each seat comes with a small casting block that needs to be removed before fitting into the tub.

The Cockpit: the tub is excellent with lots of low relief detail. The two separate throttle levers for the port side panels look good. There is also some good detail on the rear wall of the tub.
The two instrument panels look quite superb with the dials and switches in low relief and will certainly benefit with some careful painting and highlighting. The top of the forward instrument panel has a small hood attached. The rear instrument panel has a separate hood to attach. Each instrument panel has a small casting block to remove as well as two very thin flow channels.
The control sticks are nicely shaped with very convincing hand grips. There are two sets of rudder pedals, each pedal is separate and has a very delicate rod attached to it. The rod is glued to the back of the instrument panel. One of the rods had broken off in transit, but it should be easy enough to replace. The head up displays are separate items.
The hydraulic ram and the canopy brace are a both welcome inclusions with this release particularly if you are displaying the canopy open. The canopy is hinged and opens to the starboard side.

Instructions: are illustrated black line drawings. There are plenty of colour references for the instruments and seats. Some very minor surgery is required to the kit to enable the fitting of the resin parts. The hood for the front instrument panel and the partial bulkhead at the rear of the cockpit need removing.

Conclusion

Pavla Models have done it again producing a superb resin upgrade for a very reasonable cost. The release is well worth the money to update the office of the Italeri / Supermodel kit. Very nicely done Pavla Models.
SUMMARY
Highs: There is some excellent detail with this release. The canopy, seats and instrument panels are outstanding.
Lows: Broken rudder pedal.
Verdict: This set is highly recommended if you have either the Italeri or Supermodel kit. Well worth acquiring and storing in the kit box.
Percentage Rating
90%
  Scale: 1:72
  Mfg. ID: C 72107
  Suggested Retail: £16.29
  PUBLISHED: Mar 13, 2012
  NATIONALITY: Italy
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 90.86%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 88.99%

Our Thanks to Pavla Models!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Tim Hatton (litespeed)
FROM: ENGLAND - NORTH WEST, UNITED KINGDOM

Aircraft are my primary interest from WWll to present day.

Copyright ©2021 text by Tim Hatton [ LITESPEED ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



   
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