MFG:

Cutting Edge

SET #

32088/106

PRICE:

$21.99/$24.99

FOR:

Hasegawa/Matchbox 1/32 Bf-109E

REVIEWER:

Scott Van Aken

Long overlooked by the aftermarket cockpit crowd, the 1/32 Bf-109E has finally been given the attention it deserves. This is the first resin cockpit set that I know that addresses this gap. There are really two sets being reviewed here. The differences between them are small and are concentrated on the seat. Unlike the later F/G/K versions, the earlier 109s had an actual seat. Set 088 comes with a superb resin seat with the padding and seat belts molded in place. Set 106, which costs a few dollars more, comes with 'poseable' seat belts and a belt-less resin seat. These poseable belts are basically rather thin belts made of an RTV sort of material that makes them very flexible. Those that have used them on kits say that they are easy to paint and really add to the kit on which they are used. These items are in the lower left corner of the image above. The above image is for set 32106.

The rest of the set is pretty straight-forward. It is in CE's usual grey resin with well molded parts done in the normal fashion with large molding blocks holding all the bits. Also included and not shown are some clear acetate instruments. To use this sheet of instruments, the back of the instrument panel needs to be sanded thin enough to remove the instrument detail already there. The small black 'thingie' in the picture is an oxygen tube made of the same flexible material as the belts. Fortunately, CE offers several extra ends for this piece as I'm sure some of us will be losing one or two to the carpet gremlins!

Cutting Edge's instructions are among the best that there are for aftermarket sets. There is an excellent written construction sequence highlighted with very clear photos of various stages of the build. Overall an outstanding set and one that will be getting some use by this reviewer!

Review set courtesy of

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