Quinta Studio Yak-9D Interior 3D Decal Set (QD48281 for Zvezda) 1:48

[Mike]

Yak-9D Interior 3D Decal Set (QD48281 for Zvezda)

1:48 Quinta Studios

 

 

When Quinta’s innovative products first came to our attention, 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 with decals if you're lucky, 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 and metallic-effect hardware, and often including cushions and seat belts in the set.

 

Each set arrives in a Ziploc 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, giving additional tips to the new user about maximising adhesion and preventing lift at the edges by wicking in super glue, and not using decal softener due to the possibility of it melting the resin.

 

 

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 brand-new Zvezda Yak-9D in 1:48, and includes all manner of goodies.  The set comprises two sheets of decals, containing a superbly detailed instrument panel and side consoles, additional black box fronts, levers and a full set of seatbelts for the pilot’s convenience and safety.  The coolest parts are the pair of fuel gauges that are fitted flush with the wing top surface.  The kit has clear lenses, which are over-thick, so this set replaces them with an inverted printed dial under a spacer in white resin, then a clear lens with bezel to go over the top.  There are two types of gauge dials, and those are the white circular parts on the sheet with L and R printed on them to show which wing they fit in.  very clever!  There’s even a flare pistol for attachment to the floor by the seat.

 

Conclusion

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

 

Very highly recommended.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of