1:48 Luftwaffe rudder pedals

3DF 1:48 Luftwaffe rudder pedals — cockpit rudder pedals

The set holds 3D printed rudder pedals for the cockpits of German aircraft of the Second World War period in 1:48 scale. The manufacturer is 3DF. It is a detail accessory, not an aircraft model — the pedals are fitted into the cockpit of the plastic kit of your choice in place of the simplified parts from the box or in place of etched parts that have to be bent laboriously.

What the pedals do and why to replace them

The rudder pedals control the rudder and are clearly visible in the cockpit, especially on aircraft with an opening canopy or on models built with an open interior. Direct 3D printing manages the fine perforation of the pedal plates, the stirrups and the linkages in one piece, so the result is more delicate and more accurate in shape than injection-molded plastic. The design follows the typical arrangement used on German fighters and combat aircraft of the day, which makes the set usable for a wider range of types — the particular fit is always worth dry-fitting before gluing, though.

Fitting and painting

• Wash the parts in lukewarm water with detergent before painting — that removes residues of print resin.
• Cut the supports off carefully with a sharp scalpel or an etched saw and sand the remains flush.
• Sand with airway protection and ideally wet; do not inhale resin dust.
• Glue them with cyanoacrylate, or with UV glue — classic plastic cement does not work here.
• Apply primer before painting; the small details come out well with a dark wash and a dry brush.

Who the set is for

• Modelers who want to lift a 1:48 cockpit above the level of the box contents.
• Builders of German Second World War aircraft with an open or lit interior.
• Those who prefer a finished 3D part to bending photo-etched metal.
• More experienced modelers used to working with resin and cyanoacrylate.

The accessory is supplied unpainted. The base kit, glue and paints are not included in the package. Use airway protection when sanding resin and work in a ventilated space.