1:72 British Phantoms FG.1 and FG.2 - Martin Baker Type 7A Seats (2 pcs / 3D-Printed)

What the set contains

Two Martin-Baker Type 7A ejection seats in 1:72 scale, that is exactly as many as the two-seat cockpit of the Phantom has. The seats match the British FG.1 and FG.2 versions, which differ in a number of details from the machines of American manufacture. According to the name the parts are produced by 3D printing.

Why replace the seat

In an open cockpit the seat is the most conspicuous part of the interior, and in this scale it tends to be the part a kit economizes on the most. The replacement captures in shape what is lost in injection molded plastic: the breakdown of the backrest, the handles and the modeled relief of the straps. The difference is visible even under a closed canopy, because it is exactly the seat that sets the depth of the cockpit.

Building and painting tips

Snip the print supports off a little away from the part and sand the remainder carefully, so as not to damage the edges. It pays to spend a moment extra on the marks left by the supports, because every unevenness will come out under the paint. Before painting, wash and degrease the part, so that no residue of printing resin is left on the surface; the paint would not hold on it. Always try the seat dry in the cockpit first and take material off the seating surface as needed, as the rendering of cockpits differs between individual kits. For painting, a dark base, brightening of the edges with a dry brush and a color differentiation of the cushion and the straps, where they are marked on the part, are suitable. It is bonded with super glue; cement for polystyrene will not help here.

Who it is for

For builders of British Phantoms in 1:72 scale who want truer seats in the cockpit. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.