1:48 SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1/GR.1A cockpit (Basic edition 3D decals included) for Airfix kit

The machine that grew out of a trainer

The Jaguar came about as a joint venture of two countries and was originally meant to be an advanced trainer type. It ended up, however, as a low-flying attack aircraft that carried its weapons further than its size would suggest. The British GR.1 configuration was powered by a pair of Adour engines mounted close together in the rear between the landing gear bays. It was precisely with them that the main weakness of the early years showed up: the thrust at high temperature and full load was marginal. The later GR.1A therefore received a more powerful version of the same engine, and with it a calmer behavior on takeoff from a short runway.

Instruments without painting

The basic edition of the set is built on a combination of castings and a printed layer. The dials, the lettering and the colored buttons are on three-dimensional decals that are applied onto the smooth surfaces of the panel and the consoles; the relief of the print stays tangible, so the result does not read as flat. The modeler therefore gets a legible interior without having to draw lines with a brush one hair thick.

Before it is applied, the decal is left briefly in lukewarm water and settled onto a dry, perfectly degreased surface; this layer does not need any clear coat over it. The rest of the interior takes the usual approach: a lighter base, a darker wash into the recesses and gentle emphasis on the edges, so that the small texture under the glazing is not lost in shadow.

• cockpit tub cast in one piece with the side walls
• ejection seat of British design with a headrest
• set of three-dimensional decals for the panel and the side consoles
• control column and throttle levers as small separate castings