Red Fox Studio Messerschmitt Bf.109G-6 (RFSQS-48029 for Tamiya) 1:48

[Mike]

Messerschmitt Bf.109G-6 (RFSQS-48029 for Tamiya)

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.

 

 

This set is patterned for the Tamiya Messerschmitt Bf.109G-6, and preparation begins with the removal of the moulded-in detail on the instrument panels, throttle-quadrant, plus other equipment boxes on the sidewall and right console.  In addition, it also includes an extra panel for controlling the 210mm Wfr.Gr.21 rocket tubes that this variant could carry under its wings in an attempt to break up the bomber streams with poorly-aimed, almost indiscriminately into their echelons.  The main instrument panel consists of three or four parts depending on which variant you are building, adding the rocket panel if needed.  The panel that the fuel line is wrapped around is a large part that brings a lot to the party, with another four parts on the side walls, and three small decals added to the boxes on the starboard console.

 

 

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.

 

Very highly recommended.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of