Quinta Studio Mig-29SMT Interior 3D Decal (QD32022 for Trumpeter) 1:32

[Mike]

Mig-29SMT Interior 3D Decal (QD32022 for Trumpeter)

1:32 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 pre-painted 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 relief as is needed to complete a realistic panel printed in the correct colours, complete with shiny dial faces, lustrous MFDs and metallic-effect hardware, often also including cushions and seat belts in the set.

 

Each set arrives in a ziploc 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 pictures speaking a thousand words, as they say.  Additional hints and instructions for the uninitiated are also included, marking out parts needing bases, kit parts 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 perform that task, and painting the edges a matching colour should minimise its appearance or turn it completely invisible.

 

 

This set is patterned for the 1:32 Trumpeter kit of the hunchback Mig-29SMT, which is one of those gorgeously ugly aircraft in my opinion.  The set comprises three sheets of decals, containing instrument panel sections; multiple large glossy MFD panels surrounded by buttons that the camera doesn’t quite do justice to, having a deep green shiny finish, just like the real displays when switched off.  Side consoles and cockpit sidewalls are covered with new parts, and the seat is festooned with new belts and cushions, the latter having a realistic crinkled finish to the vertically stitched surface.  Even the sides of the consoles receive attention, as does the HUD box, with a yellowish lens, and the control column is upgraded with a set of buttons that are just superb.  The panels are in the more modern bluish grey shade, and you will of course have to remove the moulded-in detail to the cockpit surfaces, as shown in the first diagram on the instructions.

 

 

 

Conclusion

The detail on the parts is incredible, even down to the infinitesimal switches, the texture of the seat cushions and impressive crispness of the set.  If you think the 1:48 sets are impressive (they are), the impressive dial goes all the way up to 11 in 1:32 scale and larger.  Any Quinta outfitted cockpit really needs a crystal-clear of opened canopy to show off the details.

 

Very highly recommended.

 

Review sample courtesy of