Quinta Studio 1/48 F/A-18F EA-18G Interior 3D Decal Set First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

Quinta Studios continues to produce a growing array of aftermarket detail sets for a variety of subjects in 1/72, 1/48, and 1/32 scales. This set is especially interesting as it nicely replicates the front and rear cockpits of the late-block F/A-18F Super Hornet as well as the EA-18G Growler, and designed to fit the 1/48 Hasegawa kits. This set includes the main instrument panels, subpanels, side panels, and ejection seat lapbelts and shoulder harnesses.

So how do these work? They are waterslide decals and all you need to do is cut out the part you want to apply before dropping it into water. Quinta Studio advises that these are best applied to pre-painted surfaces for better adhesion, and in this set, most of the decals go onto flat surfaces (you need to remove the molded-on details), so there shouldn't be a problem. They also advise NOT to use decal-setting or softening solution with these detail sets as the chemicals will damage the resin-printed materials. For the more complex surfaces like getting the pilot restraints onto the seats, they advise using a gloss clear like Future or Tamiya X22 on the surface of the parts to act as a supplemental adhesive. A drop of cyano at key points of each strap also works well.

The good news is that HobbyZone USA has this set in stock.

My sincere thanks to HobbyZone USA for this review sample!