1:48 FA-18D late 3D-Printed & coloured Interior on decal paper (Hasegawa) (with 3D-printed resin parts)

The real subject

The F/A-18D is the two-seat version of the carrier-borne Hornet combat aircraft. Under a single canopy there are two working stations full of panels and instruments, so the cockpit is the most closely watched part of the model and with the canopy open there is no way of hiding it.

What the set contains

This Quinta set in 1:48 scale supplements the interior of a model of the F/A-18D late and is cut for the Hasegawa kit. The printed elements carry a raised relief, are supplied already colored on backing decal paper, and the instrument panels, side panels and seat belts thus drop off your painting list. Printed resin parts are included as well, filling in the shapes that a flat element cannot manage.

Applying the printed elements

The elements are transferred by the wet method. They have no adhesive layer of their own and hold on a gloss clear coat, so level the surface, degrease it, paint it and go over it with a varnish of the Future, Klear or Tamiya X-22 type. Cut the piece out, leave it in lukewarm water for about fifteen seconds, slide it off the backing paper into place and draw the excess water off with a soft stick. On busy spots a drop of cyanoacrylate helps. Do not use a decal softener or a decal fixer, as the chemicals attack the printed resin. Finish the cockpit before you close up the fuselage.

Working with the printed parts

Separate the printed resin parts from the print supports with a sharp blade a little way from the part, sand the remainder with fine paper and glue the part on with cyanoacrylate. Wash them before painting and let them dry thoroughly.

Who it is for

The set suits anyone who wants a well-drawn cockpit without hours spent over tiny dials, and even a modeler who is only starting out with accessories will manage it. Unless stated otherwise, the package contains only the accessory set; the kit, paints and glue are not part of it.