1/48 Aires F-16 I Resin Cockpit - Inbox Review
Here is one of the most recent offerings from Aires in 1/48 Scale (November 09)
The Aires company is well known for its many aftermarket parts. This particular cockpit set is a perfect addition to the Hasegawa F-16 I released this summer.
All the resin parts are perfectly cast in Grey resin with a minimal parts count but ensuring maximum level of detail.
The kit contents consist of a total of 12 cast pieces, a Photo-Etched Fret for Cockpit dials/facings, seat belts, rudder pedals etc.
A separate clear acetate sheet is provided with the instrument dials printed upon them and a small piece to simulate the HUDS.
The common Aires Blister Pack:
There is a small piece of dense black foam which protects all the parts from damage during shipment.
Although this packaging approach is low cost and functional and much improved method over the old cardboard boxing's, I have had on occasion received broken parts.
I am in high hopes, Aires will start thinking of an additional foam block to keep the very small parts from shifting or perhaps place them in a vacuum sealed zip baggie.
Front page of the instructions:
Page 1 assembly of the ejection seat, seat belts etc.
Page 2 & 3 overall assembly of the two seater cockpit.
Clear acetate & PE fret.
Cockpit Tub main resin piece.
The two ejection seats, beautiful detail on front and back sides.
2 Cockpit dashe's.
4 Cockpit side panels.
Various small parts.
As many modelers are aware, the Aires Cockpits can be quite finicky at times for overall fit.
As such a quick dry fit to the Hasegawa F-16I Main Fuse is in order.
All that was performed is to place the Resin tub into the kit plastic.
No sanding and no cutting was required for this large 1st piece, and a perfect fit to front and back was accomplished.
In order to insert the resin instrument detailed Dash a small cut will have to be made to remove the molded in kit parts. 
A detail shot from the underside.
All of you who read my photo build threads, know my resin addiction, especialy the Aires series.
This newly available cockpit set feeds the hunger on all levels.
Stay tuned for an upcoming in depth photo build thread on our forum!
See you soon on my next review.
Hans Pennink
Promodeller.com Group Build Editor