1:35 CH-54A 3D-Printed & coloured Interior on decal paper (ICM) (Small version)

3D decals for the cockpit of the CH-54A 1:35, the smaller variant

Pre-colored decals printed with raised relief replace painting the instruments and labels by hand. The smaller variant has a narrower scope than the full set, but otherwise it works the same way. The set is an add-on for a plastic model, not a kit. It is based on the dimensions of the ICM kit.

The cockpit of a flying crane

The CH-54A Tarhe is an American heavy helicopter built as a flying crane: the crew cabin at the front, behind it only a load-bearing spine, and free space for a load between the landing gear legs. Besides two pilots the machine also had a load operator's station facing to the rear, so that the operator could see the slung load. The cabin is therefore extensively glazed and the interior stays clearly visible on a finished model, which is exactly the situation in which fitting out the cockpit pays off most.

Recommended procedure

• True the surface on the plastic, spray it dark and polish it with gloss varnish.
• Soak the decal briefly and let the excess water drip off.
• Put a drop of water on the part, slide the decal on and fine-tune its position while it can still be moved.
• Press the water out from the middle toward the edges, so that no bubble stays under the relief.
• No decal softener or setter; they would attack the printed resin.

When to fit the set into the build

The interior is glued in before the cabin is closed, so plan the sequence in advance. First finish the sanding and filling of the parts the decals touch, then paint them and only at the end apply the decals. Once dry, the cockpit should not be handled needlessly, as the relief can be pressed in with a fingernail.

Who the set is for

• A builder of a large helicopter whose cabin will be lit from within.
• A modeler who does not feel like painting tiny dials with a brush.
• Anyone who wants to improve the interior without bending photo-etched parts.