Lysander Mk.I / III Cockpit
for Airfix kit

Mini Craft Collection, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Mini Craft Collection (MCC) is a relatively new company from China specialising in 3D-printed seats and accessories for U.S. military jet aircraft.

Tonight, I’ll be taking a look at their latest foray into World War II subjects – a full replacement cockpit for Airfix’s lovely 1/48 scale Westland Lysander kit. This is MCC’s second full cockpit set.

The kit cockpit is very good straight from the box, but let’s see what MCC can add.

The set arrives in a small, sturdy silver tin protected by a white cardboard slipcover. Inside, the resin parts are securely housed in three individual resin enclosures.

The package comprises 39 parts in grey 3D-printed resin, a printed clear acetate film for instrument dials, three colour maps printed on the instruction sheet, and a double-sided A4 instruction sheet.

The 3D printing is flawless – there are no visible striations or artefacts of any kind. You can’t see much detail through the resin enclosures, so I spent a little time carefully exposing the parts within.

Cleanup will demand patience and care, especially around the delicate tubular cockpit tub. The parts are attached to a fine network of supports that taper to almost hair-width contact points. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of these to remove.

I usually rely on sprue cutters for this sort of task, but MCC explicitly advises against it. Instead, the instructions recommend a fresh hobby blade for the fine supports and a razor saw for the larger gates and protective frames.

“Do not use nippers or twist parts off by hand, as shear stress may damage delicate details.”

Sage advice – I was a little heavy-handed and managed to snap the navigator’s table, though it will be an easy fix.

Once freed from their cages, the parts reveal astonishing detail. The set includes the beautifully rendered cockpit tub, navigator’s table, pilot’s seat, control column, trim wheels, fuel tank, instrument panel, a single and a twin Vickers K gun, ammunition feeds, drum magazines, and more.

Every piece is crisply detailed, right down to the smallest fittings. Handle the finer components with care – they are delicate and may be easily lost.

The pilot’s seat is a single piece featuring impressive tubular structure and a printed-in Sutton harness complete with buckles and hardware. The natural drape of the harness straps looks excellent and will respond beautifully to careful painting, dry-brushing, and washes.

The instrument panel is supplied as a three-piece resin assembly with a printed acetate foil for the dials.

An A4 instruction sheet rounds out the package, providing clear assembly diagrams and helpful guidance for safely removing the parts from their complex supports.

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Airfix’s 1/48 scale Lysander is an impressive kit straight from the box, but this new cockpit set elevates it to another level altogether. MCC’s replacement interior is exquisitely detailed, capturing the complex framework and busy look of the real aircraft’s office. It’s a superb upgrade that adds depth and authenticity to an already excellent model.

Thanks to Mini Craft Collection for the sample.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2025 Brett Green
Except photos with dark grey backgrounds courtesy of Mini Craft Collection
Page Created 28 October, 2025
Last updated 28 October, 2025

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