1:48 Aichi D3A2 "Val" IJN Type 99 interior with seats

The real subject

The Aichi D3A was a Japanese carrier dive bomber of the Second World War, listed by the Imperial Japanese Navy as the Type 99 carrier bomber and known to the Allies by the nickname Val. The D3A2 version was a later production form. The aircraft had long glazing over the cockpit for its two-man crew, so the interior is clearly visible from above and a simplified inside from a kit stands out badly there.

What the set contains

The parts of the cockpit interior including the seats in 1:48 scale. It is an accessory to replace the parts from the kit, not a standalone model. The parts are not polystyrene, ordinary cement for plastic models does not hold on them and they are assembled with super glue.

Building and painting tips

Cut the excess material off with a sharp blade a little away from the part and sand the rest, supporting the thin sections with your fingers so that they do not break. Wash and degrease the parts before painting and apply a base coat. Paint and shade the interior completely before the fuselage halves are glued together, as you will not get inside afterwards. Paint the seats separately and fit them at the very end; it is easier to fit the belts onto them that way. Before you start gluing, dry-fit the whole tub in the fuselage, as interior sets usually need the sides sanding down. The exact procedure for preparing the parts is given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Who it is for

For the modeler who builds the Val in 1:48 scale and wants a faithful interior under an open canopy. The aircraft kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.