Set number 32-026 consists of two frets of brass and one sheet of photo-negative instrument faces. I counted 122 individual metal pieces, of which 65 are for the cockpit alone and are all found on one fret. Eduard has a tendency to divide the interior and exterior parts between different frets, which is something I appreciate. It tends to limit the amount of searching for small pieces and while working on the cockpit, the exterior fret can be safely stored away.

The cockpit components cover all areas of the cockpit except for one oversight, namely the gun sight, which I found surprising. Eduard instructions suggest that you remove the kit supplied gun sight to facilitate the installation of the photo-etched instrument panel. Just remember to either re-install afterwards, or replace with an alternate aftermarket piece.

The amount of modification required for the Hasegawa kit parts is minimal, being limited to the removal of the centre instrument panel console, and previously mentioned gun sight. This could be a testimonial to the quality of Hasegawa models or Eduard's engineering. Eduard indicates which parts should be augmented with small pieces of styrene to provide greater realism; however, I think part 41, which is the headrest support, should have been mentioned as well. The actual leather portion of the headrest will not be thick enough if it is not augmented with sheet styrene.

Overall, the cockpit is very complete and includes a new seat with seat belts, various levers and trim wheels and all the parts related to the throttle quadrant. Everything compares well with the Detail and Scale publication on the Hellcat, which is a must have for colour reference.

The second fret provides, replacement cowl flaps, gun bay covers, landing gear details, drop tank hardware and a real nice under side outlet opening. This involves the removal of the Hasegawa rendering and is probably the most difficult aspect of the set, but the results are worth the effort. Additional detailing parts include the two catapult hooks on the underside of the wings, and the sheet metal flanges that slip over each gun barrel and fasten to the leading edge of the wing.

I did not use the photo-etched gun bay covers as I am not a big fan of open panels on my models, but for those who prefer that look, these pieces are gems.

Overall, this set is vast improvement over their earlier detail set for the Hellcat. It illustrates how far Eduard has progressed and what can be accomplished by bending flat pieces of metal.

Reviewed by Randy Lutz