Quinta Studio 1/48 MiG-21PFM Interior 3D Decal Set First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | December 2020 | Manufacturer | Quinta Studio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | MiG-21PFM Interior 3D Decal Set | Scale | 1/48 |
| Kit Number | QD48077 | Media | Resin-Printed Decal |
| Pros | Sharp 3D-printed details | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (USD) | $27.95 w/free shipping in the USA |
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 is the first of many sets designed for the Eduard 1/48 MiG-21 kits. This first release is for the MiG-21PFM as it would appear in the 1970s through the 1990s. So despite all of the aftermarket details just for the cocpit produced by Eduard, here is a simple detail set consisting of color 3D-printed parts provided on decal film. When the so-called generation one and generation two MiG-21s were produced, the cocpit interiors were either bare metal or silver lacquer. At some point in the 1970s, aircraft that were put through Soviet/Warsaw Pact versions of depot maintenance would also have their cockpits repainted into the then 'new standard' turquoise blue-green being used by MiG and Mil aircraft.
This set includes the main instrument panel, subpanel, side panels, and ejection seat lapbelt and shoulder harness. Note the decal sheet with the two white perforated parts. These are stand-offs that are glued into the spaces where the side panels would mount, perforated sides to the plastic, and provide mounting points for the side consoles themselves.
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.
While they haven't announced which MiG-21 variant is coming next, we should have some nice cockpits for most, if not all, of Eduard's Fishbed releases.
The good news is that HobbyZone USA has this set in stock.
My sincere thanks to HobbyZone USA for this review sample!