On to the 3D
Decals. I don’t think calling them ‘
decals’ does them any favours. I got into a discussion on social media about these and one person could not believe that ‘
decals’ could possibly look better than etch. He was fixated on the word decal and imagined them as some kind of cleverly printed, well,
decals. I am not sure that I convinced him that they are not actually
decals in the accepted sense.
These are 3D printed flexible plastic material carried, for convenience, on paper from which they are released by soaking in warm water.
Here are the parts for the instrument panels released from their backing. You would not get away with this using
decals…..
I attach these parts using Gator Grip but any white pva type glue will do. You could use c.a. but you do need time to get the part into position.
Here is one of the side walls done
now I got a bit concerned because looking at the above from the other side…
The 3D Decal extends beyond the side wall. I did a test using the outer cockpit panel and found that there is no need to worry it all fits in perfectly.
More done
I particularly like the seat belts as they can be set to hang more naturally than etch and do not drive you mad like the fabric ones. These are the best seatbelt solution available. Incidentally, while this set is a Quinta Studio one a lot of other companies are producing them like Kits World and Red Fox.
I
I will do a light brown wash over the belts to give them a used look.
To summarise, 3D
Decals provide a better looking result than etch while being a lot easier to use.
Incidentally, I made an ordering mistake with these 3D
Decals and have a spare set. I don’t expect to build another Hind so if anyone is planning to build one of these kits then pm me and I will send you the spare set, no charge.