1:48 A-10 interior

The real subject

The A-10 Thunderbolt II is an American single-seat ground-attack aircraft built around a seven-barrel 30 mm rotary cannon and intended for close support of ground units. The pilot sits in a tub of armor plates, and the cabin is the part modelers most often want to improve on this subject, because it is clearly visible under the large canopy.

What the set contains

The set is focused on the interior, that is on the fittings of the pilot's station. The photo-etched parts are etched into a thin metal sheet and held in it by narrow tabs. Photo-etch is used precisely where injection-molded plastic cannot be thin and intricate enough: on the instrument panels, the consoles, the levers and similar small things. The manufacturer's instructions give the exact list of features and the kit the set is prepared for.

Building and painting tips

The interior is fitted before the fuselage is glued together, so plan the sequence in advance. The original molded detail is sometimes sanded away under a photo-etched part so that the piece sits flush; the instructions say how far to go. Separate the parts with a sharp blade, make the bends in the score lines and glue with super glue in a small amount, so that it does not run over the edge. Degrease and prime the pieces that are not color-printed before painting; otherwise the paint will not hold on smooth metal and will rub off in handling. Lay the small parts out on a light surface so that they are not lost, and pick them up with fine-tipped tweezers.

Terms of supply

The kit, paints and glue are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.