| Legend
Productions F-4E Cockpit Detail Set in 1/32nd Scale ¶¶¶ Reviewed by Mark Proulx |
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Components
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The resin parts are cast in a light cream resin. The major parts breakdown into: 1.
Single Cockpit Tub These pieces come wrapped in two plastic bags enclosed within a small box, similar to packaging supplied by Verlinden. On the box is a photograph of the painted detail set. Instructions No instructions are included with this set. This shouldn't pose a problem to the experienced modeller. However, some confusion could still result in the placement of the sidewalls. At the very least, Legends should have engraved the sidewalls as to their location. Additional reference material will be essential, especially for specific painting instructions. Cockpit Tub
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.jpg) Similar
to Verlinden's F-4C/D cockpit set reviewed here earlier, Legends have
simply used the Revell side console detail. Some minor details have
been added or deleted. The consoles had to be narrowed by necessity
allowing for the new sidewall detail, which is lacking in the Revell
model. However, I did discover some discrepancies between Revell and
Legend's consoles. In Revell's kit, the instructions clearly identify
the consoles to be used for the F-4E, leaving the remainder in the kit
for other versions. Legend's cockpit set is sold as a F-4E, yet the
console differs from Revell's. It would appear that the wrong panel
was used for the forward R/H console. |
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Legends cast a very nicely detailed rear bulkhead, which is an improvement over the Revell cockpit tub. Effective dry brushing in this are should really make the surface details apparent. Many of the existing kits smaller details such as control sticks and throttles are to be used to complete the cockpit. Sidewalls Legends supply you with four new cockpit sidewalls, as these items are sadly overlooked in the Revell kit. All the sidewalls have details finely moulded into the surface giving the cockpit the very "busy" look of today's jet fighters. An effective painting technique should really make the sidewalls a highlight of this kit. Canopy locking mechanisms, wiring and various linkages are all cast. |
 
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The aft sidewalls appear to closely resemble photos found in various publications. The F-4 aft cockpits have prominent sidewall mounted circuit breaker panels and they are moulded into the new items. |
 
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I found the forward sidewalls were missing some of the vertical stringers that are apparent in the Phantom. However, due to the slant of the installed items this probably will not be visible. |
 
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Instrument Panels
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The aft panel comes in two pieces, and here again, Legends used the kits single panel. The instrument casings are cast onto the rear surface of the upper panel. For those who like more detail, adding more wire will effectively clutter up this area. The cockpit tub has the lower portion of the panel cast onto it. The large radar hood has been overlooked and it is very noticeable in the rear cockpit of the F-4. The modeller will need to scratch build one. Small air bubbles found in the upper corner of the panel could be difficult to repair. |
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Seats
When compared to the photos of the seats in the Verlinden book, the resin seats appear to be very similar. |
 
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I
will leave it up to the modeller to determine if the purchase price
of this new set is justified. The only real new items are the seats,
rear bulkheads, sidewalls and some areas of the panels. I think that
Legends Productions have provided a good starting point, however, many
modellers would want to add lots of additional details.
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| © Mark Proulx |
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Modellers
have been waiting for some time now for a cockpit set to add to their
Revell F-4E, as the model lacks detail in many areas; Legend Productions
has answered the request and released a cockpit detail set for the Revell
F-4E in 1/32nd scale. I must admit that I have never heard of this Korean
based firm until the advent of this set. Now, lets have a closer look
at what Legends Productions have supplied the modeller with.
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cockpit tub is cast as one large single component. It would appear to
be a simple matter to replace the Revell pieces, as I believe the kit
tub was used a basis for this set. Legends have supplied the tub with
slots in the side to assist the modeller with proper alignment using
the existing tabs in the fuselage. Some large air bubbles can be seen
buried within the casting, however, they should disappear with a coat
of paint. 
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As
with the side consoles, Legends use the kit instrument panels. The forward
panel has a nice glare shield moulding cast onto it, necessitating the
removal of the item from Revell's fuselage. (Note: in the photographs,
the panel is broken; this is how I received it.) A large air bubble
on the edge of the glare shield could prove difficult to fix. Some of
the newer avionics that have been incorporated into the Phantom have
been included on the upper areas of the panel. 
Legends
supply the modeller with two identical Martin Baker Mk7 ejection seats.
They are superbly cast with all harnesses moulded on the seat. Pull
rings are cast separately and they are very fine and could be broken
if not handled carefully. Small amounts of resin flash are on these
items but it should pose no difficulty in cleaning up these components.
