Quinta Studio Su-30MKK Family Interior 3D Decal (QD48047 for Hobby Boss Kits) 1:48

[Mike]

Su-30MKK Family Interior 3D Decal (QD48047 for Hobby Boss Kits)

1:48 Quinta Studios

 

 

When Quinta’s innovative products first came to our attention recently 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 steps of etching, 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 relief as is needed to complete a realistic panel printed in the correct colours, complete with shiny dial faces, MFDs and metallic-effect hardware, often also including cushions and seat belts in the set.

 

Each set arrives in a ziplok bag with two folded instruction booklets 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 detailed nature of the sets, showing exactly where each part should go on the actual model, so there’s no confusion due to the truism that pictures speak a thousand words.  Additional hints and instructions for the uninitiated are also included, marking out parts needing bases, kit part numbers and other useful tips.  The technical instructions in the text-based sheet give additional tips to the new user about maximising adhesion and preventing lift at the edges by wicking in super glue.

 

 

Application is much the same as your standard decal, but you will need to remove any raised detail that would be underneath the location depicted in the instructions, and some new parts will need small backing panels or bases on which to apply the decal.  A slim piece of sheet styrene would fit the bill, and painting the edges a matching colour should minimise its appearance or turn it completely invisible.

 

 

This set is patterned for the Hobby Boss kits of the Su-30MK, MK2, M2, MKV, MK2V and MKK.  The set comprises one large sheet, containing instrument panel sections, multiple large MFD panels surrounded by buttons, dials and other instruments, the former having a deep green shiny finish, just like the real displays when switched off.  The panels are in the more modern brighter bluish shade, and includes the side consoles plus the side wall framing and insulation that have flat-spots on them to accept other parts on the sheet for the ultimate in relief.

 

 

Conclusion

The detail on the parts is incredible, even down to the infinitesimal switches, the texture of the insulation and impressive crispness of the set.  Any Quinta outfitted cockpit really needs a crystal-clear or opened canopy to show off the details.

 

Very highly recommended.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of

[Nocoolname]

I keep looking at the Quinta sets and think that it might be interesting if they could ever print a cockpit that that had a 'transparency' in place of the main panel colour. The idea being that it might give the user the option to simply cut out and use the main features - dials, buttons, switches, leavers, etc. - over their own painted cockpit, which might provide for a less layered look than the 3D process can currently achieve and therefore provide for greater fidelity? 🤔