1:48 F-8 E Crusader - 3D-Printed & Coloured Interior (for Hasegawa and Hobby 2000 Kits)

The real subject

The Vought F-8 Crusader was an American carrier fighter with an unusual wing arrangement: the entire wing pivoted up for carrier takeoff and landing, letting the aircraft fly at a higher angle of attack while keeping the fuselage level. It is often called the last American fighter whose primary weapon was cannons. The F-8E version was among its later production variants.

How the Set Works

The set contains 3D decals for the cockpit. They have a sculpted relief and pre-printed color, and are carried on a decal backing paper, from which they slide into place after a brief soak in lukewarm water. They cover the instrument panel, side consoles, controls and seat harnesses. They are prepared for Hasegawa and Hobby 2000 kits in 1:48 scale.

Procedure

Paint the plastic cockpit parts with a base interior color and coat them with a gloss varnish (Future or Klear, Tamiya X-22); the element has no adhesive layer of its own and adheres most reliably to a gloss base. Cut out the elements one at a time, soak each for about 15 seconds in lukewarm water, slide it off the paper into place and press it down with a soft stick from the center outward so the relief settles into the recesses. On curved walls, work in shorter sections and fix the edge with a drop of cyanoacrylate glue. Do not use a decal softener or setting solution, since the chemistry will damage the printed resin. Even out the color difference between the decal and the surrounding plastic with a thin coat of matte varnish at the end.

Who it is for

The set suits modelers building a Crusader with the canopy slid back or the wing folded up who want the cockpit to hold up to close inspection. Working with it needs no special tools; tweezers, a dish of water and a soft stick are all you need. The package contains only the decals. The model, paints and glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.