1:32 AV-8B Harrier II early 3D-Printed & coloured Interior on decal paper

Quinta Studio 1:32 AV-8B Harrier II early, 3D printed cockpit decals

This is not a kit or a photo-etched set. These are pre-colored 3D printed decals on decal paper from Quinta Studio, intended for the cockpit of a model of the AV-8B Harrier II attack aircraft in the early configuration in 1:32 scale. The elements have a real thickness and a three-dimensional surface, so once applied they replace the laborious hand painting of the small details of the instrument panel and the surrounding areas of the cockpit.

This item is the full version of the set. Quinta also makes a reduced variant for the same subject.

The real subject

The AV-8B Harrier II is a single-seat attack aircraft with vertical and short takeoff, derived from the British Harrier and built for the US Marine Corps. The designation early is aimed at the early day-attack configuration. The cockpit of the later Night Attack and Harrier II Plus versions differs, so choose the set exactly according to the version you are building: on this subject the cockpit equipment is the main distinguishing feature.

How the decals are applied

The procedure resembles ordinary decals, only with greater care. Cut the elements out close to the edge, soak them for about fifteen seconds in lukewarm water and slide them off the backing paper onto a dry, smooth and glossy surface. They have no adhesive layer of their own; gloss varnish (Future, Klear, Tamiya X-22) holds them, and on edges and radii a drop of super glue helps; a flat surface is a mistake. Do not use a decal softener on this line: its chemistry will attack the printed resin and destroy the element. Let it dry thoroughly and only then close the cockpit. Flat varnish at the end evens out the surface, while the glossy faces of the instruments are better left glossy.

Who the set is for

• modelers who want a faithful cockpit without painting small details
• builders of the large 1:32 scale, where the cockpit is clearly visible
• those interested in modern American attack aircraft
• those for whom photo-etch alone is not enough and who want a pre-colored three-dimensional surface