AH-64A Apache Cockpit Set
Aires has released this multi-media cockpit back in 2003. It is designed to replace the Hasegawa cockpit in its entirety. The Hasegawa cockpit is not bad, the Aires kit gives it however a more realistic and busy look.
The set comprises 18 cream-colored resin pieces, a PE fret and a small piece of acetate. The offering by Aires is cleanly cast and well engineered. I could not find any imperfections or airbubles in the casting.
The sidewalls, which are often separate and hard to position in other sets, are cast in one piece together with the tub.
The armored seats are also nicely detailed, the seat belts are provided in PE. I prefer them molded in resin, but that is a personal choice.
For both instrument panels you have a PE part and a piece of the acetate sheet.
Aires has a similar set for the Longbow version in 1/48th scale (Aires Nr. 4137 - AH-64D Longbow Cockpit Set).
If you want to add additional detail to the already nice Hasegawa cockpit, then this detail set is a good choice.
Comments
Aires AH-64 cockpits
I've now got four Hasegawa AH-64s built and a stack of them in the closet. Of those four, three have gotten Aires cockpits, both the Alpha and Delta models.
Both the A and D model pits are excellent additions to the model and really bring it up a notch. The kit cockpits are good overall, but the Aires pit really makes it pop!
I've noticed that the D model pit still makes some commonly made mistakes (shape of the collectives, locations of certain panels, etc), which the A model does not. The D model cockpit is also only appropriate for an early D model, several changes having been made on the 2002 and later AH-64D cockpits. If you're looking to build a Block 2 AH-64D, then you've still got some scratchbuilding to take care of, particularly in the front seat.
Overall, both the A and D pits from Aires are excellent additions to any 48th scale AH-64! Of course, the major drawback is cost, but the outcome is definitely worth the cash outlay!
Jon
"2-6 in hot!"