Mike Posted December 21, 2022 Posted December 21, 2022 F/A-18C Hornet (RFSQS-48085 for Kinetic) 1:48 Red Fox Studio via AMMO of Mig Jiménez During the last few years we have been blessed by the introduction of new technologies to our hobby, amongst them being 3D Printing in coloured resins to create instrument panels, dials and all sorts of interior (and exterior) details for our models in various scales. New company (to us) Red Studio of Hungary have begun producing a range of these panels in various scales under the distribution of AMMO by Mig Jiménez, which broadens their introduction to the market appreciably. Their sets arrive in clear foil bags with a red card topper for display on racking, held together by a single staple. With the staple undone, the bag empties to unveil a folded card backing that also has the parts printed on its satin surface, a concertina folded instruction sheet, and the sheet of decals that face outward at the back. The sheets are small, but the detail is exceptional, looking about as realistic as a panel can get at this scale. The instructions lay out clearly where the parts should go, and the areas that will need their moulded-in detail removing are marked out in blue over photographs of the kit parts, which are also called out by sprue and part number for your ease. The next step shows where the individual parts should fit, again arrowed to their location on the actual parts. The F/A-18C hornet was a single-seater, and as such the 3D printed parts are all for the front cockpit, although the instructions show a two-seat cockpit tub. The side consoles, instrument panel, centre section of the coaming and two quarter panels are first relieved of their moulded-in detail, then have the new parts applied over the top using super glue or PVA, preferably after painting is completed for the rest of the cockpit to avoid any tricky masking. There are several notes made throughout the instructions advising you not to try to cut the decals with a scalpel as they could disintegrate due to their delicate nature. They also tell you that you can apply most types of washes and varnishes over the surface once they are applied, and that once wet they are somewhat flexible, although there are limits of course, which is stated to be 5%. The resins used in production are also ultra-violet (UV) resistant, so your dials and other light parts shouldn’t be affected over time, retaining the same look as if they had just been applied. Here is a link to an instruction guide on how to apply this type of decal to your models, which should help you avoid any pitfalls. Conclusion The detail applied to 3D printed instrument panel is at the current apex of realism, and they’re one of my must-have choices of aftermarket for the discerning modeller. If you’ve got a Kinetic early Hornet, this set is a perfect choice. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of
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