The main difference from the Black 1 build, in terms of components, will be use of this Aires resin cockpit set. On my first Dora build, I used the MDC cockpit (approximately $50). I had trouble getting the tub and rear deck to fit. I ended up binning it and using the kit cockpit tub instead. On my second Dora build, I used the Eagle Editions cockpit (approximately $50). I managed to use most of it, which featured some incredible detail, but again, I could not get the rear deck to fit. Both times, the canopy was shut, obscuring an already limited view. So this time around, I picked up this Aires set for about 1/2 the price.
My strategy for this build is to utilize the kit cockpit tub and rear deck to save on the headaches of fitting resin. From the resin set, I would pluck the individual detail parts such as the instrument panel, control stick, the foot pedals and the seat. The Aires instrument panel is combination of unpainted photoetch and a pre-printed piece of clear acetate for the instrument gauges, which I really prefer over pre-painted instrument panels. At least the ones from Eduard. Those Yahu ones look pretty nice.
Here are some of the smaller resin bits including the control stick, the throttle lever and the Revi 16 gun sight.
The cockpit set includes the coaming over the instrument panel. This would require me to perform some surgery on the kit fuselage but the seam line would be covered by the windscreen part, which reduces some of the risk . I haven't decided whether or not to use this piece, since the added detail under the hood will most likely go unseen.
A comparison of the Eagle Editions seat with molded harnesses that wasn't used on my Black 1 build, the Aires seat and the kit seat.
The cockpit tub and rear deck provide some nice detailing.
The Spidey Sense started tingling when I laid the resin rear deck next to the kit part. It looks significantly shorter. My guess is that it is undersized, which would make me 0-3 for resin rear deck replacements from three manufacturers.
Comparing the resin tub and the kit tub makes think. Here's my thought process now... if I don't use the resin tub, it will simply go to waste, no? Why not graft as much as I can from the resin tub including the side consoles, possibly some of the floor details, the oxygen regulator on rear starboard wall, etc. I guess I should compare the kit side consoles to the resin before I decide.
Finally... the VS111 prop assembly from Henri Daene will be used again.
Henri's stuff is sublime... the pinnacle of resin products and, to me anyway, it exemplifies the crazy passion we modelers possess.
That passion shines through in his instructions, which are so complete and thorough that he gives final dimensions in tenths of a millimeter.