Thursday, May 25

Dual Review: Two Barracuda Studios Resin sets for the 48th scale Spitfire

Barracuda Studios has released two sets of aftermarket replacement cockpits for the Spitfire in 48th scale. These are added to the two variants that have already ben released by Barracuda. Bruce had a look at what is in each of these two new sets and what he thinks of the execution in his dual review today.

Dual Product Review: Two Barracuda Studios Resin sets for the 48th scale Spitfire

Spitfire VIII Snapshot Cockpit Upgrade
BR48195 
1:48th Scale 
Price:$14.95 
Product Link
Spitfire XVI Snapshot Cockpit Upgrade
BR 48197
1:48th Scale
Price:$14.95
Both of these are now available from Barracuda Studios

Barracuda Studios is well known in the modelling community as a premium resin caster and out of the US run by modeller Roy Sutherland. They also do a very nice line in decals, books and other products. Now you might, or might not know it, but Roy just loooooooovvvvvvvessssss his Spitfires, you might see this in the two recent sets he has designed & produced to complement the already very nice Eduard Spitfire 1/48 VIII and XVI Bubble top kits. A high bar you might think – and so did we, so we were interested in showing the kits, and talking through what we saw with you.

Spitfire VIII Snapshot Cockpit Upgrade
BR48195
1:48th Scale 
Price:$14.95 
Product Link


Spitfire XVI Snapshot Cockpit Upgrade
BR 48197
1:48th Scale 
Price:$14.95 
The idea behind the Snapshot Range is to just update the more visible parts of the cockpit, think seats, gunsights, throttle quadrants and oxygen hoses.As both contain nearly the same parts, so I will look at them both together in this review.

So let's examine them...

Roy has obviously decided that most of the Spitfire cockpit is visible as each set provides you with 21 finely cast parts. I have no idea how Roy masters these because the detail is just outstanding, look at the ribbed Oxygen hose complete with clips for an example (seen here on the far right).

Here are both of the parts here for both sets


The rudder pedals and control column with separate spade grip so it can be modelled to mirror any displacement of control surfaces the modeller may have done. You can tell these sets are designed by a modeller


A new cockpit entry door with detail much finer than that found in the kit is also provided with a separate crowbar which clips into the door, and yes, it actually does clip in, no glue required!

Two different types of throttle quadrant are provided, as well as two types of gunsight, and seats with different types of early and late style seatbelt. doing a quick search for images of the real thing revealed what a minefield Spitfire seat harnesses are, in fact, you could write an article just on this subject alone.
Im pretty confident Roy has researched these thoroughly to give you the correct harness for each seat. The modeller will have to research which type of each the specific machine being modelled had though. Roy can't do all the work for you, you know!

I believe most XVIs were fitted with the gyro gunsight and the more complex looking throttle lever.
In addition to the resin parts, you get a decal sheet for all the cockpit placards to really bring your cockpit to life.
Also provided is an acetate sheet printed with more accurate instrument dials than the kit provided sheet. I’ll take Roy’s word for this as his reputation has been staked on accurate research as well as the quality of his casting. Again, this is a direct replacement for the kit part.
Rounding out the sets are a set of fold out full colour instructions with clear photos showing the placement of all the parts and decals. The resin parts being called out by letter whilst decals are numbered. The photos even show where to add wiring should the modeller decide to add this detail
Oh, that all instructions were this helpful. They are the aftermarket equivalent of WingNut Wings instructions – and that is high praise, especially for something of such a small nature in scale. This shows how much has gone into the inception of these kits from the manufacturer.
The parts themselves have a small amount of flash which can easily be removed with a sharp No.11 blade. There were no pin holes on my examples.

They are all a direct replacement for the kit parts. The only modification required to the kit is scraping off the spare bulb rack from the starboard cockpit wall as you can see by the replacementsIi have added here.


Out of the box, the Eduard kits have very good detail, but using these sets will elevate your cockpit to the next level.

Bruce Anders
Thanks to Barracuda Studios for sending me these sets to review. Check out their gear here.