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EagleParts ¶¶¶¶¶ Reviewed by Eagle Editions has released a new 1/32nd scale Dora cockpit for the new Hasegawa Fw 190 D-9. In this review, we will examine what is offered.
This cockpit detail set consists of 27 resin pieces, a photo etch fret and instructions. It is shipped in a sturdy plastic container to prevent damage. The resin parts are designed to replace the entire plastic cockpit parts as supplied by Hasegawa. The masters were created for this set using factory manuals and photos of un-restored aircraft. Some modifications and sanding will be required to have the resin parts fall into place. There are a number of optional features included with the set: 1. Two styles of rudder pedals The instructions are printed over two pages. They make extensive use of text and you would be well advised to study them closely before embarking on the project. Unfortunately, many of the black and white illustrations are small and not of the best quality. The instructions detail the modifications required of the kit. Plenty of sanding and careful use of a motor tool is necessary for proper fit of the new resin cockpit. Painting details are also supplied.
Tiger Model Design performs the resin casting and my example was found to be free of imperfections. Large casting blocks are used to protect some of the more fragile pieces. They appear to work, as I have no damaged parts among some very fragile items. The casting is perfect in every detail. There are minimal amounts of flash and the smallest details are represented.
I wouldn't recommend this resin set to anyone with limited experience, due to the nature of the additional work required. However, for those experienced modelers who are used to dealing with finely cast resin sets, a stunning example of Kurt Tank's fighter should result. Modelers interested in additional Dora details sets and decals can visit the Eagle Editions website here. Review Sample Compliments of Eagle Editions © Mark Proulx 2004 |
The
three piece cockpit tub is a superb example of state of the art resin
casting. It is made up of the floor and sidewalls. The majority of
details are already cast and require the addition of only a few extra
resin pieces. Knobs, wires and even a map mounted in its case are
easily identified. Eagle Editions also chose to add extra details
aft of the seat. The instructions indicate that future resins sets
may be released to detail this area. Some surgery will be required
to the fuselage halves, in order to use the new instrument hood panel.
Modelers would be well advised to measure twice, cut once! As stated
above, you are supplied with a number of optional items to dress up
the cockpit to meet any modeler's requirements. 
Two
types of seats are supplied with this set. Mirroring the quality of
the rest of the resin parts, the seats are exquisitely cast. They
even install similar to the actual aircraft by sliding down rails.
You have the choice of creating your own harness using photo etch
parts for one seat. To assist in this task, the instructions lead
the modeler to a section called Harness Instructions, which I could
not locate. Conversely, the other seat may be used which has the harness
already molded on. 
The
instrument panel is supplied as two pieces with an optional bomb control
panel for the fighter-bomber or JABO variant. No instrument decals
are provided as they are supplied by Hasegawa. To complete the resin
set, a number of smaller cockpit items such as a reflector sight,
brake cylinders, canopy crank and fuel selector are included. 
The
photo etch parts make up such items as the harness buckles, rear upper
deck, optional MW 50 access cover, optional rudder pedals and other
fine cockpit details. A piece of .020 solder (not supplied) is required
to simulate the oxygen hose.