Quinta Studio F-14A & F-14D Tomcat Interior 3D Decal (QD48048 & QD48070 for Tamiya) 1:48

[Mike]

F-14A & F-14D Interior 3D Decal (QD48048 & QD48070 for Tamiya)

1:48 Qunita Studio

 

 

When Quinta’s innovative products first came to our attention a few months ago they caused quite a stir, as well they should.  The replacement Instrument Panels and internal details are mind-boggling to look at, because we’re used to seeing simplified styrene instrument panels, or Photo-Etch Brass panels with either two layers of etch, or laminated parts that can be tricky to glue together, even though they are pre-painted for your ease.  But decals?  These aren’t your run-of-the-mill decals though, they’re 3D printed in many layers and colours on a flat carrier film, having as much in the way of elevation as is needed to complete a realistic panel printed in the correct colours, complete with shiny dial faces, lustrous MFD screens and metallic-effect hardware, and often including cushions and seat belts in the set.

 

Each set arrives in a ziplok bag with a folded instruction booklet protecting the decals, which are also separately bagged, so they should reach you in good condition.  The pictorial instructions are printed on glossy paper, and are shown in full colour as befits the awesomeness of the sets, showing exactly where each part should go on the actual model, so there’s no confusion due to the “pictures speak a thousand words” maxim.  Additional hints and instructions are also included, marking out parts needing bases, kit parts and other useful tips.  The technical instructions in the text-based sheet gives additional tips to the new user about maximising adhesion and preventing lift at the edges by wicking in super glue.

 

There are two sets because of the difference in avionics and instruments in each variant, with the -D having a group of Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) and more streamlined belts and ejection initiation handles for the seats, the -A using the Martin-Baker Mk. GRU-7(A) with additional twin head-loop handles, the -D flying with the more advanced MB Mk. 14 NACES with seat-cushion actuator only.  Each set has a full complement of instrument panels, side consoles, ancillary instrument clusters, sidewall details, and of course the seatbelts with pull-handles as already mentioned.  Each set also has a few tiny parts for the coaming, which you’ll need to remember to put in place before you attach the coaming to the cockpit aperture.

 

 

F-14A Tomcat (QD48048 for Tamiya)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-14D Tomcat (QD48070 for Tamiya)

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re wondering whether the -D set would work with the new(er) AMK Tomcat, fear not as Quinta have you covered.  They have patterned a set just for this kit, and you can pick one up at the link below:

 

F-14D Super Tomcat (QD48070 for AMK)

 

 

 

Conclusion

They’re still a highly impressive product and are likely to remain so to this reviewer, even after perusing several different sets, and I’m itching to use them live in the wild on a project soon.

 

Very highly recommended.

 

Review sample courtesy of