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In-Box Review
148
Macchi MC.200 Saetta cockpit
Macchi MC.200 Saetta cockpit early version
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by: Tim Hatton [ LITESPEED ]

Pavlas latest resin cockpit detail set is for the Italeri 1/48 kit of the Macchi MC.200 Saetta. This release includes some very detailed and well cast parts to make up a handsome looking cockpit to represent the early Macchi MC.200 Saetta.
Contents.
These items are placed inside a transparent plastic blister package, and the contents include:
2 x cockpit side walls.
1 x instrument panel.
1 x cockpit floor.
1 x pilots seat.
2 x resin blocks with cast handles and levers.
1 x control stick.
1 x rudder pedals.
2 x footrests.
Various controls.
2 x small sheets of instructions.

The cockpit side walls look very well cast and very busy with ribs, stringers, boxes, cylinders, etc. There is much more depth to the detail of the resin side walls than the kits side walls. They are designed to be fixed straight into the kit and replace the kit parts. There are a few resin handles and knobs to glue in position particularly on the port wall. Also on the port wall the resin trim wheel needs to be glued. There is an incredibly thin film of flash within the trim wheel and extreme care will be needed to remove it. I would be tempted to leave it alone. The handles and knobs are even in this scale minute so care will be required cutting and fitting. They do have the advantage of being more three dimensional than any PE equivalents. Also to be fitted onto the side walls are the distinctive kidney shaped foot rests that sit under the rudder pedals. You will notice on the images only one foot rest is shown. The other had come loose, but was safe in the packaging. These are so much better than the kits, which are moulded to the cockpit floor.
The resin instrument panel replaces the plastic/PE/decal instrument panel of the kit. The resin instrument panel has recesses where the instruments are located. The back of the instruments are also depicted on the rear of the instrument panel. Again there are some resin handles to apply to the front of the instrument panel. These handles will create a more realistic looking office. You do need to create your own glass bead though.
The cockpit floor is nicely detailed and onto this go various controls such as rudder pedals, control stick, etc. Again the floor is superior in look to the kits cockpit floor. The resin pilot seat looks a lot better than the kit seat also. The seat fits onto the kits seat frame and this complete structure is fitted onto the floor of the cockpit. The seat is cast with a small block that will need removing. The structure and the shape of the seat or should I say chair looks very good. It reminds me a bit of the seats found in many WWI aircraft in shape. The kits seat cushion and harnesses are placed into the seat.
Instructions are black and white diagrams, which are very clear and unambiguous. Every part is colour referenced

Conclusion.

This is a very fine release from Pavla and will add hugely to the quality of the kit. I have been a little unfair magnifying the resin parts so much, but they are excellent and as such highly recommended.
SUMMARY
Highs: Excellent level of detail. I like the inclusion of the handles and levers for the instrument panel and side walls.
Lows: Little bit of flash to clean up.
Verdict: An excellent release from Pavla. All you need to add is some carefull construction and painting. Highly recommended.
Percentage Rating
90%
  Scale: 1:48
  Mfg. ID: C 48020
  Suggested Retail: TBA
  PUBLISHED: Feb 08, 2011
  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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