Quite a few people think that adding a cockpit or detail set to a state of the art kit like those from Tamiya and Hasegawa is like gilding a lilly. These kits don't really need one of these sets. Yes, perhaps so, but you just can't get the level of detail out of a mass produced injection molding process that you can from most resin castings. Sure, the kit bits are good but for those that want that little bit extra, these sets are made.

This particular set is for the new mold Hasegawa N1K2-J 'George'. As with most of their less complicated sets, this one includes a tub, sidewalls, instrument panel backing, control stick and a number of high pressure bottles and other 'thingies'. The seat, belts and instrument panel face, to name a few, are on the etched brass fret that comes with FM sets. The instruments themselves are on clear acetate. One simply paints the back of them white and then attaches it to the rear of the panel face. The effect is much better than I can paint on a resin panel. Most of the knobs and levers are in etched brass and thankfully, FM includes spares as I always tend to lose a few of these things.

Instructions are superb giving a construction sequence for assembling the cockpit. There are also small close-ups to help with some of the areas that may be a bit confusing. What isn't with this set that some of the others have is an color info. Considering the flux that Japanese interior colors have been going through, it isn't a surprise, but at least something should have been included.

Overall, a very nice set and one you should consider for your next Hasegawa 1/48 George.

Review set courtesy of Pacific Coast Models where you can get this set direct.

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