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1/32 resin Spitfire cockpit detail sets

1/32 resin Spitfire cockpit detail sets for Tamiya Mk. IXc

BarracudaCast

I’ve received some upgrade sets from the wonderful Roy Sutherland of Barracuda Studios. For those who have seen or built the recent Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire Mk.IXc, you may well wonder why you would want any aftermarket components. I must admit, I did wonder. When these came through, I was very interested in seeing just how they would improve an already amazing kit.

I’m breaking these items up into two reviews, cockpit parts and engine/external parts. This review will deal with the cockpit resin sets. Items reviewed here are:

First up is the Spitfire seat.

The fundamental issue with the Tamiya part is the lack of the leather cushioning for the back of the seat. Unless you’re a dab-hand with Milliput or similar, trying to get the correct scale impression could be a problem. The BarracudaCast part has, of course, addressed this issue. The inclusion of drain holes in the recess in the pit of the seat adds more realism. I dread to think what the drain holes actually drained! This replacement part is cast in a creamy pale yellow resin, and has zero flaws. Casting quality and detail are top notch. There is a large casting block which will need some surgery to remove, but it won’t be difficult to do so. Also, it’s worth mentioning that the resin that ALL of these parts are cast from, need no degreasing before you use them, as Barracuda use no mold-release agent. This seat will make a great addition to the Tamiya Spitfire masterpiece, and it thoroughly deserves to have one fitted.

Cockpit Door with crowbar

An area where the Tamiya kit is let down is with the cockpit door. For such an amazing kit, they have simply moulded the crowbar onto the cockpit door. This simply doesn’t represent the individuality of each part, making it look like a homogenous piece of plastic. Removing the crowbar yourself and trying to clean up such a small area will be problematic. This BarracudaCast part solves this issue. Comprising of two parts, namely the door and the crowbar (strangely enough!), this set will allow you to replace the kit part with a more authentic and accurate looking alternative. Cast on a single block, you’ll need to be careful with the delicate nature of the crowbar. When assembled, you’ll find that the bar fits neatly within the 2 beautifully moulded clips within the door. Problem solved!

Cockpit Upgrade set

I was a little sceptical about this set, but the number of finely detailed components and the decal sheet, along with a low price tag, make this yet another set you should seriously consider if you are modelling the Tamiya kit. Limitation in the injection moulding process sometimes mean that the more minute detail is left out. This set comprises of eight resin components, across 3 casting blocks. These parts are indeed more detailed that the Tamiya kit counterparts, and include the throttle quadrant, control column, compass, oxygen hose etc. As well as the resin parts, a length of wire for use with the control column to represent the hydraulic lines, is also included. If that wasn’t enough, then a small decal sheet which includes not only fixes for some of the inaccurate cockpit decaling from Tamiya, such as the gaudy blue artificial horizon, but a plethora of other decals for stencilling, is also included. Previously, the hard to find ‘Waldron placards’ set was what you needed to source, but no longer.

An instruction sheet defines where every part and decal are to be placed, and all in sharp colour, also giving a good idea of what the interior of the Spit should look like. A little very light and very thin flash is present on some parts, but this is easily removed with a sharp blade.

All of these parts, while designed primarily for the Tamiya kit, can indeed be used with the PCM Mk. IX, and Hasegawa Mk.V kits.

So what do we think?
These sets give a new level of detail definition to the already superb Tamiya kit, and for the cost of these upgrades, it really doesn't make sense not to use them. Very highly recommended.



Overall: 10/10


Many thanks to Barracuda Studios for the review samples used here. To visit and purchase these items click HERE