Quinta Studio He.219 Uhu Interior 3D Decal (QD48229 for Tamiya) 1:48

[Mike]

He.219 Uhu Interior 3D Decal (QD48229 for Tamiya)

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, 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 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 that are used or replaced 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.

 

 

Although you are advised to use Super Glue (CA) to attach the decals to the surface permanently, preparation 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the ageing Tamiya kit of this wasp-like aircraft, which while it is getting on in years, doesn’t seem like it will be superseded any time soon, as it is still a great kit – a testament to Tamiya’s tool-making capabilities.  The set comprises two sheets of decals, containing an extensive instrument panel of four parts, one circular dial needing a base that could be made from a short piece of styrene rod; rudder pedal straps; headrest and lap belts for the rear crewman; a set of four-point seatbelts and headrest for the pilot’s convenience and safety; a mass of sections of the radio ‘wall’ that takes fourteen decals in total, and as with some of the other parts, needs the kit detail sanding off; detailed side consoles, and similarly busy side walls to the cockpit.  Awesome stuff.

 

 

 

Conclusion

The detail on the parts is incredible, even down to the infinitesimal switches, glossy dials 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

 

[BerndM]

Nice review.

I got me a Quinta cockpit set for my Revell Spitfire Mk.II in 1:32 and this looks even better in real as on photos.