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In-Box Review
148
A6M2 & A6M3 Zero Cockpit Sets
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by: Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]

SBS Model have released their latest 1:48 cockpit upgrades in the shape of two superdetailing sets aimed at the Zero - more specifically Hasegawa's A6M2 and 'M3.

As you'd expect, both are designed around the same core set of parts, with SBS's trademark combination of superbly detailed resin components and photoetched brass accessories. Both upgrades comprise:

23 x grey resin parts
33 x etched brass parts, plus a printed film for instrument faces.

The casting is flawless in both review samples, with some quite exquisite detailing such as wiring and pipework moulded in situ. The difference between the two sets lies in the sidewalls, the A6M2 featuring additional consoles on the starboard side. Interestingly, they fit into the kits in a slightly different manner, the A6M2 requiring some minor surgery to the Hasegawa kit before assembly.

Each set replaces the original Hasegawa cockpit completely, with a new floor, sidewalls, rear fuselage frame, flying controls, seat and mount, instrument panel, guns and gunsight. Onto the resin "foundations" are added a mass of etched parts for further consoles, levers and brackets, plus a 4-part seat harness. The instrument panel is built up from a sandwich of brass, clear film and resin components, while the gunsight features film reflectors.

The upgrades are supplied with very well illustrated instructions that break the construction down into manageable stages (14 for the A6M2, 13 for the 'M3). Very little modification is needed to the standard kits, but some of the parts are pretty small so a steady hand and a little experience working with resin and etched sets is probably to be recommended.

Conclusion
The sets will transform the interior of the two Hasegawa kits at a stroke, and it's also very tempting to see if the A6M3 upgrade can be adapted to fit Tamiya's highly rated new-tool kit because, as good as that "office" is, SBS's set is in a different league again. Unreservedly recommended.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.
SUMMARY
Highs: Highly detailed resin and etched brass parts.
Lows:
Verdict: SBS Model's cockpits take Hasegawa's popular A6M2 and 'M3 Zero kits to a new level with some eye-popping interior detail.
Percentage Rating
95%
  Scale: 1:48
  Mfg. ID: 48028 & 48029
  Suggested Retail: 14 EUR each
  PUBLISHED: Dec 29, 2011
  NATIONALITY: Japan / 日本
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 88.37%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 90.97%

Our Thanks to SBS Model !
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 Rowan Baylis (Merlin)
FROM: NO REGIONAL SELECTED, UNITED KINGDOM

I've been modelling for about 40 years, on and off. While I'm happy to build anything, my interests lie primarily in 1/48 scale aircraft. I mostly concentrate on WW2 subjects, although I'm also interested in WW1, Golden Age aviation and the early Jet Age - and have even been known to build the occas...

Copyright ©2021 text by Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]. 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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