1:48 A6M2-N Rufe seat 3D PRINTED

Eduard 1:48 A6M2-N Rufe, 3D-printed seat

This item is a 3D-printed resin accessory from the Czech brand Eduard: the pilot seat for models of the A6M2-N Rufe floatplane fighter in 1:48 scale. It is not an aircraft model but a replacement for one of the most visible parts of the cockpit. The seat is always in plain view in an open cockpit, so replacing it is among the improvements with the best ratio of effort to result.

The real subject

The A6M2-N, known to the Allies by the code name Rufe, was created at Nakajima as the floatplane version of the A6M2 carrier fighter. The retractable landing gear gave way to a large central float and a pair of auxiliary floats under the wings. The Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service put the type into service from 1942 where hard runways were lacking, and its cockpit kept a layout derived from the land-based version.

Building and painting tips

Cut the seat away from the print supports with a sharp scalpel and level the remains with a fine file or abrasive paper, ideally wet and with respiratory protection. Wash the part in lukewarm soapy water before painting. It is bonded with super glue; cement for plastic does not work here. The interior comes out best if the seat is painted and shaded before it goes into the fuselage: a primer, the main shade, a dark wash into the recesses and a light dry-brushed accent on the edges. Fit the seat only once it has dried, so that handling does not spoil the finish.

Who the set is for

• modelers who want to raise the cockpit detail quickly
• builders of Japanese naval aircraft in 1:48 scale
• models with an open canopy, where the interior is visible
• more experienced modelers used to working with resin

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