Eduard 1/48 Bf109F-2 Cockpit with Early Seat
By Jacob Russell
This Brassin cockpit set is for Eduard's recent Messerschmitt Bf109F-2 kit. It consists of 93 parts, of which 21 are resin. 4 of these components are molded in clear resin. You also get 71 photo-etched parts on 2 frets, one of which is pre-painted, and a single acetate sheet containing 4 gun sight lenses.
The early Bf109 Friedrich had a seat which was quite different in shape than subsequent versions, and this Brassin set includes it. It's quite a bit different in appearance to the later seat, which was basically a seat pan with a separate back.
The detail of the resin components is spectacular, especially that of the sidewalls and the floor. Given that the cockpit was painted RLM 66, a fairly dark grey, I recommend that you add some Neutral Grey or white paint to this color, so that all of that excellent detail is easier to see.
The photo-etched pieces add more detail and finesse. The pre-painted fret includes such items as an instrument panel, seat harness, and some handles that attach to the bottom of the instrument panel. The "standard" PE fret includes the landing gear retraction wheels and chain, rudder pedals, canopy armor, canopy retention arm, storage access hatch, etc.
Conclusion
Eduard's series of Bf109F kits have been well received. They are accurate in shape and outline, well detailed and appropriately complex. The kit interior is quite nice, but it pales in comparison to this Brassin cockpit, which has a much higher detail level. I recommend this set and I would like to thank Eduard for the review sample.