1:32 F-15E 3D-Printed & coloured Interior on decal paper (Tamiya)

3D interior decal for the F-15E (1:32, for Tamiya)

It is not a model of the aircraft but a detail set for the cockpit. It is a 3D decal — a colored relief decal of the instrument panels and the side panels of both cockpits, which is applied straight into the interior of the F-15E Strike Eagle plastic kit in 1:32 scale from Tamiya. The set is made by Quinta Studio, a specialist in colored 3D interior decals.

Why a 3D decal instead of painting the cockpit

The decal carries raised, color-printed detail — recessed dials, screens, raised bezels, blocks of instruments, switches, buttons, warning lights, levers and lettering. It saves the laborious painting and shading of a two-seat cockpit and the assembly of multilayer photo-etched panels. The result looks more realistic than a flat decal and is finished far faster than hand painting.

Use and application

• Cut the individual elements out carefully with a sharp scalpel.
• Dip the sheet with the cut-out element briefly in lukewarm water, for about 15 seconds, and let it stand until the element starts to slide over the backing.
• Slide the element onto a clean, degreased surface coated with a gloss clear (Future, Klear, Tamiya X-22); it has no adhesive layer of its own and will not hold on a matte base. Do not use a decal softener, as it would attack the printed resin.
• The relief will follow even slightly curved surfaces — press it down with a soft tool.
• Once dry, the detail can be emphasized with a fine wash or a matte clear coat.

Who the set is for

For modelers who are building the large Strike Eagle in 1:32 scale from Tamiya and want to raise the cockpit of this American two-seat multirole strike fighter without painting. The work is straightforward and even a less experienced modeler will manage it.

This is an accessory, not a model. The base kit, paints and glue are not included in the package.