1:40 Fiat C.R 42 Falco kokpit

The real subject

The Fiat CR.42 Falco is an Italian single-seat fighter biplane of the late 1930s, one of the last of its kind in combat service. Its cockpit was open, so on a finished model it can be seen practically in full from above. The seat, the instrument panel, the controls and the fuselage framing around the pilot all stay in view, and a bare or merely suggested interior shows at first glance.

What the set offers

A cockpit accessory for a model of the Fiat CR.42 Falco. It aims exactly where most is visible in an open cabin and where a plastic kit usually stops at a simplified shape. The range of parts and the procedure for fitting them are given in the manufacturer's instructions; first dry-fit the parts and try them in the fuselage halves, because individual kits differ in the width and the layout of the cabin.

Building and painting tips

The parts are not polystyrene and ordinary plastic cement has no effect on them; use cyanoacrylate. Cut the excess material away with a sharp blade a little clear of the part and sand the surface left behind; wash and degrease the parts before painting. Finish the interior and let it dry before you close the fuselage up. Depth comes from a dark wash into the corners and a light dry brush along the edges; the dial faces come to life with a tiny drop of gloss clear coat, which suggests the glass of an instrument.

Who it is for

For modelers who are bothered by the empty space under the pilot's head in an open cabin. The fitting is careful rather than hard work; tweezers, a sharp blade and good light all help. The model, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.