1:32 F4U-1D 3D-Printed & coloured Interior on decal paper (Tamiya)

3D decal of the F4U-1D Corsair interior (1:32, for Tamiya)

It is not an airplane model but a detail set for the cockpit. It is a 3D decal — a relief color decal of the instrument panel and the side panels of the cockpit, which is applied straight into the interior of the F4U-1D Corsair plastic kit in 1:32 scale from Tamiya. The set is made by Quinta Studio, a specialist in color 3D interior decals.

Why a 3D decal instead of painting the cockpit

The decal carries three-dimensional, color-printed detail — recessed dials, raised bezels, instrument blocks, switches, buttons, warning lights, levers and labels. It does away with the laborious painting and shading of the instrument panel and with the assembly of multi-layer photo-etched panels. The result looks more realistic than a flat decal and is finished far faster than hand painting.

Use and application

• Carefully cut the individual elements out with a sharp scalpel.
• Dip the sheet with the cut-out element briefly in lukewarm water, for about 15 seconds, and let it rest until the element starts to slide over the backing.
• Slide the element onto a clean, degreased surface coated with 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 can follow even slightly curved surfaces — press it down with a soft tool.
• Once dry, the detail can be brought out with a fine wash or a matte clear coat.

Who the set is for

For modelers who are building the big 1:32 Corsair from Tamiya and want to lift the cockpit of this American Second World War carrier fighter with its characteristic inverted gull wing without painting. The work is straightforward and even a less experienced modeler can manage it.

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