1:32 SEAT FOR PFALZ D. IIIA, WINGNUT WINGS KIT

Seat for the Pfalz D.IIIa in 1:32 scale — ELEFANT

This is neither a model nor a kit but a single replacement part: the pilot's seat. The box states that it is cut for the Wingnut Wings kit. The ELEFANT brand makes a range of resin add-ons and turned parts for models. On First World War aircraft the cockpit is open, so the seat is visible from every side and a plastic part with a parting line across it tends to be the most conspicuous weak point of the whole build.

The real subject

The Pfalz D.IIIa was a German fighter biplane of 1917 with a plywood fuselage, which gave it a smooth and strong surface. Against the contemporary Albatros it had a stronger structure, so pilots valued it in a dive, and it stayed in service even after newer types had been introduced. In the machines of the day the seat took the form of a light reinforced bowl completed by belts; the cockpit is completely open from above, so the seat is always in view when you look at the finished model.

Building and painting tips

Wash the resin part clean of any mold release agent, cut off the casting block and sand the marks down with respiratory protection. It is glued with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue). Apply a primer before painting. Build the wooden and wicker parts up in glazes from a light base, leave the fabric covering flat and darken it in the folds. Glue the belts, if you add them from foil or photo-etch, only after the seat has been painted. Seat the seat itself in the cockpit before you close the fuselage up.

Who the part is for

• modelers of First World War aircraft in 1:32 scale
• builds from Wingnut Wings kits
• replacing a plastic seat with a parting line
• more experienced modelers who work with resin

The package holds a replacement part only. The kit, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.