Cutting Edge Modelworks

1/32 A-10 Super Detailed Instrument Panel

Product # CEC32063 for $5.99

Product Article by Steve Filak on Sept 31, 2005

 

 

 

Here's another handy, yet inexpensive item available to dress up your Trumpeter 1/32 A-10 from Cutting Edge Modelworks.  This set is a replacement instrument panel for the Trumpeter kit, which is also available in the complete cockpit replacement set, CEC32057.

WHAT YOU GET:

In this set, you get the instrument panel in two pieces, a backing plate, and a sheet of acetate instruments.  Cutting Edge gives you an option on this one:  either paint the entire instrument panel, or sand away the back of the panel to reveal open instrument bezels, and then sandwich the acetate instrument sheet between the panel and the backing plate.  This removes the hassle of having to paint the instruments themselves, although the resin instruments on this set are nicely detailed as well.  Being a fan of acetate instruments, I know which option I'll choose. In my opinion, they look even more realistic than painted instruments, and are so much easier to use.  In the image below, I haven't cleaned up the instrument bezels yet, but just to give you an idea of how quick it is to prep the panel for the acetate instruments, this was after less than five minutes of sanding.  When I get ready to use it on a model, I'll clean up the bezels a bit with a round file.  Be careful when sanding, as it is very easy to over-do it.  Constantly check your work to make sure that you're not sanding the panel too thin.  The instruments should pretty much fall away on their own, but a small amount of cleanup with a file may be necessary.

My review sample arrived in perfect order.....all parts present and accounted for, cleanly cast, with no bubbles or short shots.  There was a small amount of what I believe is RTV on the panel, but this is easily cleaned off with a sharp toothpick.  This is to be expected occasionally on parts with deep undercuts such as this one.

If you can't afford the entire replacement cockpit, or if you want to have a go at your own superdetailing project, then this instrument panel will give you a great head start on detailing the interior of your Trumpeter A-10.  I'd like to thank  Cutting Edge Modelworks for providing me with this review sample.


Steve
Additional detail shot can be seen below.

Photos and text © by Steve Filak, Sr.