Airscale 1:24 Cockpit Instrument Decals: Hawker Typhoon

[James H]

1:24 Cockpit Instrument Decals: Hawker Typhoon
Airscale
Catalogue # AS24TIFF
Available from Airscale for £10.95

 

 

 

 

What better a time to show you this decal set, with us only yesterday having reviewed the epic new 1:24 Hawker Typhoon from Airfix. I did actually touch upon this release in that article, and today I'm pleased to show you in full what this set offers the modeller, in terms of options and entirely new content.

 

If you've ever bought or seen the Airscale range of cockpit decals (both instrument and placard), then you will no doubt be impressed. Both scratch-builder and novice alike, they offer something that is often lacking in many commercial kit releases. I like to use these products as often as I can, and if you've read any of my magazine articles or forum topics, then that will be plainly clear!

So, what can Airscale offer the Über-Typhoon from Airfix? Well, let's see.

 

 

As with all Airscale's decals sets, this is packaged into a small Zip-lock wallet, with a light card insert inside, which is laser printed and in full colour. The front of the insert shows a photograph of an actual Typhoon cockpit, with the given options listed below. This set allows the modeller to mount his/her decals to the rear of the instrument panel, so they show through the clear plastic film which is included, or you can apply individual instruments over the top of the dial locations, once the clear plastic part is attached to the instrument panel.

 

The description of this product actually does it a disservice, because not only do you get the instrument decals, but you also get a full suite of cockpit placards too!

 

 

Unfolding the insert reveals a series of photos of the interior of the Airfix Typhoon cockpit. First of all, there are two images of the instrument panel. One of these pertains to the instruments only, and the other to various placards which fit onto this piece. All decals are clearly numbered, and there are a LOT of decals to apply. The instrument panel alone contains THIRTY-ONE decals! Yes, patience will be needed, but as this is 1:24, your endeavours won't go unnoticed.

 

Photographs are also included for the port and starboard sidewalls, incorporating the instrument consoles, and to cap that, two images are shown of the separately moulded cockpit coaming. Again, this is home to a handful of decals, all numbered. A decal guide is also provided, and this actually lists what each of the decals is in reality, using that same numbering system. Whilst this isn't particularly important to attaching your decals, it is quite interesting, and there is most definitely something to be learnt from studying it a while.

 

 

The decal sheet is quite small, but most definitely perfectly formed. Of course, the largest decals on here are for the option to lay the instruments behind the panel. This is broken down into the panels 3 constituent parts. I would opt to use the individual decals though. These would be placed on top of a painted and glossed clear part, to aid adhesion. Even if you use the first option, there will still be a small number of instruments that you will attach to the regular plastic panel part. The rear of the sheet descries both decal options, and you will need to draw around the shape of the IP and cut it from the clear film that is included. My only reservation with this idea is that the instruments themselves will be recessed too much within the bezel. Still, the option is there, should you want to use it.

 

 

 

Decal printing is by Fantasy Printshop, and everything is very sharp, and no fuzziness that would detract from a 1:24 instrument panel. The placards aren't legible, but they don't need to be. They are still very small, even in 1:24 scale. Printing is also nice and thin, with minimal carrier film, and registration is perfect. There are other colours in play on some instruments, such as green, yellow and red, and they look very authentic.

 

 

The instructions suggest a setting solution to help with adhesion too, and a drop of Crystal Clear be applied to the dials, so simulate the glass lens.

 

Conclusion
Another clear winner from Airscale, and one which you should definitely contemplate if you are thinking of building the big Tiffie. As will all Airscale products, these are meticulously researched, and the real proof of the pudding is in what they add to the overall appearance of the cockpit. From experience, I know that I really couldn't model with these products. For me, they are the cherry on the cake.

 

Very highly recommended

 

My sincere thanks to Airscale for the review sample seen here. To purchase directly, click THIS link.

 

James H

 

 

 

[JeroenPeters]

Looks like a need to have for a kit this size!

Nice one!

[Paulster]

Not a bad price for AM that will make a big difference.

[Grant]

As ever Peter comes though with the right AM at the right time.... Excellent!

[benjaminsummerfield]

this will do well!

[airscale]

awww thanks Jim and all

 

..really pleased with these and hope all our customers are too

 

can't wait to see what Airfix come up with next in 'the gentleman's scale'!

 

TTFN
Peter

[Paulster]

 

can't wait to see what Airfix come up with next in 'the gentleman's scale'!

 

TTFN

Peter

Is that what you call us older ones who are too blind to build anything smaller?  

[Wingco57]

Must get me one of these sets too.

Cees

[Simon D]

Hi, I was really interested in this thread. I'm working on the Typhoon cockpit right now and have just purchased the finescale decals. I have a question regarding the assembly of the instrument panel. When assembling should I place the decals on the raised dials of the rear section then assemble the two parts or assemble both parts first and then apply the decals through the holes in the front part of the panel. 

I plan to finish the dials with Kristal clear. 

Thanks for your help folks. 

Simon