1:48 SR-71A 3D-Printed & coloured Interior on decal paper (Revell)

Interior 3D decal SR-71A Blackbird (1:48, for Revell)

It is not an airplane model but a detail set for the cockpit. This is a 3D decal, a relief colored decal of the instrument panels and side consoles of the cockpit, which is applied directly into the interior of the plastic SR-71A Blackbird kit in 1:48 scale from Revell. The set is made by Quinta Studio, a specialist in colored 3D interior decals.

Why a 3D decal instead of painting the cockpit

The decal carries raised, color-printed detail: recessed dials, their raised bezels, instrument blocks, switches, buttons, warning lights, levers and labels. That does away with the laborious painting and shading of the instrument panel and with the folding of multi-layer photo-etched panels. The result looks more realistic than a flat decal and is finished far faster than painting by hand.

Use and application

• Cut the individual elements out carefully with a sharp scalpel.
• Soak the sheet with the cut-out element briefly in lukewarm water, for about 15 seconds, and let it rest until the element starts to slide over the backing.
• Slide the element onto a clean, degreased surface coated with gloss varnish (Future, Klear, Tamiya X-22); it has no adhesive layer of its own and will not hold on a matte base. Do not use a decal softener, as it would attack the printed resin.
• The relief can follow slightly curved surfaces as well; press it down with a soft tool.
• Once dry, the detail can be brought out with a fine wash or a matte varnish.

Who the set is for

For modelers building the SR-71A in 1:48 scale from Revell who want to lift the cockpit of the two-seat strategic reconnaissance aircraft flying at around Mach 3 without painting. The work is straightforward and a less experienced modeler can manage it.

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