1:48 Douglas A-4M Skyhawk mod. 1970 SPACE

The Skyhawk cockpit in three dimensions

The Douglas A-4M was the last and most powerful shape of the light carrier attack aircraft that the United States Marine Corps ordered. Compared with the older versions it received a more powerful engine, a more bulged canopy with a better view to the rear and a braking parachute at the root of the fin; the characteristic hump behind the cockpit then hid the added avionics. The machine stayed small, without folding wingtips, and among pilots it kept a reputation as an exceptionally nimble aircraft.

The instrument panel in a fighter cockpit is both the most visible thing and the hardest to paint. This sheet solves both: the dials, the labels and the switches are printed in color on a pliable film with relief, so the instrument bezels really do stand above the surrounding surface and a highlight appears under the glass. They are completed by harness belts in etched sheet with a printed fabric pattern and buckles.

Printed film has become a common substitute for painted etch in recent years, because it can handle even the tiniest lettering that could never be painted by hand. What is more, the panel does not have to be built up from several layers glued together: it goes onto the model in one piece.

Application

First the molded relief is removed from the plastic parts and they are leveled smooth, otherwise the film will not sit down. Then only the backing paper is moistened, the film is lifted off with tweezers and pressed down with a cotton bud into PVA glue (white glue); do not use a decal softener, as it would attack the printed resin. The belts are bent between your fingers so that they look loosely thrown over the edges of the seat. Let everything dry thoroughly before you close the cockpit with the glazing.