Black Box | #32008: MiG-15 bis Cockpit Set

Reviewed by Kevin Williams

I've heard good and bad about Black Box products and from a variety of sources, but I just love the stuff. Packed in a nice arrangement for shipping (and display) purposes, the resin parts are all carefully packed in a fairly stout plastic enclosure, ensuring minimum damage.

This set appears to be very complete, offering up new seat, floor, bulkhead, instrument panel, side panels (molded with the 'pit proper), the works. Instructions do call for the use of the kit control stick, so be sure not to discard that.

Overall, the casting appears to be to the very high standard that I have come to expect from Black Box. Delicate details abound, and overall impression of all components once assembled, should be quite complete and busy looking, just the ticket for a really nice looking 'pit. Once painted and weathered, this will undoubtedly add a tremendous amount of "wow" factor to your MiG-15 kit.

Designed as a direct replacement for the Trumpeter components, as well as adding some canopy frame and windscreen details, this set, in conjunction with perhaps some other AM IP etch and dial details, should provide a complete package to dress up this very visible aspect of the Trumpeter kit.

Instructions

The instructions are printed on one side of one page and include exploded drawings that depict various item locations. Unfortunately, limited painting suggestions are included, so references will need to be carefully scrutinized for coloring cues.

Tub

To me, this is the heart of the set. This tub, combined with the IP and seat, make up the bulk of the busy details of this set.

Again, this area is very nicely detailed, and adds a lot of "busyness" to the set. One noted oddity; there are a couple of flashed over holes for instruments (in the flat portion of consoles), yet no instruments are provided for those areas.

Ejection Seat

Ejection seat is comprised of seat (with molded on belts), headrest and guide rails, making a very complete package, and the details are very nice indeed.

Instrument Panel

The instrument panel (with molded integral instrumentation) is a miniature work of art, and could look really snazzy, once painted. This approach is not one of my favorites however, so I'll probably opt for some Eduard or similar, replacements.

Miscellaneous

A number of small miscellaneous resin items, such as beautiful gun sight, oxygen regulator, IP cover, canopy frame, rear deck, etc., are included as separate pieces, and all look quite nice.

Summary

My conclusion is very favorable indeed, and I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to recommend inclusion of this set as standard fare for anyone that desires to dress up their Trumpeter MiG-15 kit.

Note: very careful attention will need to be paid to removing flashed over areas on canopy section, but should look just excellent, once cleaned up.

This product is highly recommended for overall quality and detail.

Thanks to my sad, sad wallet for the review sample.