1:72 F.2A Lighting - interior 3D decals for Airfix kit

The real subject

The Lightning was a British supersonic fighter that differed from the other machines of its time in the layout of its propulsion alone: it had two jet engines in the fuselage, stacked one above the other rather than side by side. It drew air through a circular opening in the nose, in the middle of which sits a cone with the radar. The F.2A version came about by modifying F.2 machines, and its most conspicuous recognition feature is the bulky ventral fuel tank. The cockpit is single-seat, sits high, and a great deal can be seen inside it under the hinged canopy.

What the set solves

Color 3D elements for the cockpit, cut for the Airfix kit in 1:72 scale. In a small scale, painting dials by hand is thankless work and the result tends to be suggested rather than legible. The elements carry the instruments, the labels and differentiated panels, and the raised relief also casts a shadow in side light, so the panel does not come across as a surface painted with a brush.

Before applying and while working

• The method of application differs between individual sets, so check the way the elements are fixed in the manufacturer's instructions.
• Spray the cockpit parts, let them cure and degrease them, and only then seat the elements.
• Work while there is free access to the cockpit, that is, before joining the fuselage halves.
• Pick the elements up with soft-gripping tweezers and press them down with a cotton swab from the center toward the edges.
• The manufacturer's instructions give which element belongs to which part of the kit.

Who it is for

For builders of British postwar fighter equipment in 1:72 scale who build from the Airfix kit and want the cockpit finished without painting small instruments. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.