DECAL SHEET REVIEW

Furball Aero-Design 48-047
F-4B/N, F-4J/S Cockpit Detail Set
1:48 Scale

vol_2_image Cockpits are a focal area of aircraft modeling, both in our attention to detail in the building process and to the viewers of the finished product. In this small decal sheet, Furball has produced a high-quality decal alternative to the Academy injection molded cockpit.

This set covers the F-4B/N and J/S configuration, giving modelers one set for each. High points include very well rendered instrument dials and side panel details such as switches, the RIO’s circuit breaker box, and even individual screws. The decal sheet also includes ejection seat details from shoulder harnesses, lap belts, side seat straps, the top of the drogue chute, and ejection handle markings.

The instructions are clearly printed on the back of the cardstock insert. The decals are printed for Furball by Cartograf of Italy, and the decal quality is outstanding.

One minor critique: on my review sample, the reds and greens that depict the radar scopes a few other switches appear just out of register and ever so slightly off-center. One of several solutions would be to take 15 seconds to paint the underlying portions of the instrument panel red and green and there should be no perceptible difference in the finished product.

In terms of application, one might seek experiment with these decals a bit. Initially, one might think to sand the instrument panels flat and place the decals following painting of the base gray color. Yet, one wonders if the kit parts, which are rather low relief, could be maintained. Application of decal solvent solution (i.e., Solvaset, Micro-Sol) might then be used successfully to achieve a three-dimensional finish with the decal overlaying the raised detail beneath. My personal sense is that this latter technique might be particularly successful and visually effective.

This decal detail set is highly recommended, and represents a clear step up from the kit cockpit, especially regarding the instrument dial faces. Many thanks to Furball Aero-Design for the review sample.

Haagen Klaus
Scale Modeling News & Reviews Editor
Detail & Scale