1:72 F/A-18 D Hornet (screens on) 3D Full colour Instrument Panels (for Academy, Airfix, Hasegawa, Hobby Boss, Italeri and Kinetic Model kits)

The two-seat Hornet with active displays

The D version was created as a two-seat form in which the rear station does not belong to a second pilot but to a weapon systems operator. The Marine Corps used it mainly for night attacks and for designation, and the equipment of the cockpit matched that: large screens, a layout of controls for work with night vision goggles and a rear panel without classic pilot instruments. The cockpit of the Hornet is clearly visible on a model, because the canopy can be built open. The set is prepared for kits from Academy, Airfix, Hasegawa, Hobby Boss, Italeri and Kinetic.

This sheet captures the state with the electronics switched on. The screens carry drawn-out symbols, a tactical picture and backlighting, the front and rear panels are finished and so are the side consoles. The layered print gives the bezels and the buttons relief, so the impression of recessed instruments arises on a flat plastic part.

The practice is simple: free the panel of engraving with fine abrasive paper, paint it a dark color, let it cure and degrease it. The print is slid off the paper in water, straightened and left to dry flat. Strong softeners would dissolve the structure of the print, so only clean water is used.

If you are building the machine in the night attack form, it is worth matching the shade of the cockpit walls as well; dark gray surfaces let the lit screens stand out. The difference against a black panel with painted squares is immediately obvious when you look inside.

The envelope holds the cockpit print. The plastic parts of the cockpit have to come from an Academy, Airfix, Hasegawa, Hobby Boss, Italeri or Kinetic kit.