White Ensign Models 1/72 SB2C Helldiver Cockpit Interior Set First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

White Ensign Models continues to expand its product lines into broader areas and this detail set is no exception. While remaining within the Naval theme of their business, they're pushing into 1/72 naval aircraft with their photo-etch detail sets. This latest release is designed to dress up the Matchbox/Revell 1/72 SB2C Helldiver kit. This is actually one of two detail sets for the Helldiver kit.

This particular detail set would have you carefully remove all of the cockpit interior parts from the kit, then carefully throw them in the dust bin. This set doesn't enhance the kit cockpit, this set replaces the cockpit.

You'll notice in the image to the right that the top part in the set is a full-length interior floor and forward firewall. The forward and rear cockpits are divided by a pair of photo-etched bulkheads. The forward cockpit includes a beautiful pilot's seat and frame support, instrument panel, side consoles, rudder pedals, throttle quadrant, and even seat belt/shoulder harnesses. It looks like you'll need to keep the kit's control stick, so don't toss out that one part please!

The rear cockpit is no less detailed. This set provides an avionics shelf, rear-crewman's seat, machine gun ring, detailed handles for the kit gun, and the various radio and electronic boxes for the shelf and underneath.

The instructions provide good references for parts assembly and placement, plus some useful notes for colors and references to point the modeler in the right direction.

This set is designed to work with White Ensign Models' Detail Set PE7219 - Exterior Detail Set.

As you can see in the photo, the detail set is not complex, but it is thorough and will turn the inside of the 1/72 SB2C Helldiver into a scale replica with detail that rivals many 1/48 scale kits. This set is definitely recommended!

My sincere thanks to White Ensign Models for this review sample!