1:32 A-7E Corsair II late cockpit (Hyperdetailed edition) for Trumpeter kit

Reskit 1:32 A-7E Corsair II — late cockpit (Hyperdetailed edition) for Trumpeter

This set is a detail accessory and is NOT an airplane kit. It replaces the cabin of the plastic model of the A-7E Corsair II in 1:32 scale from Trumpeter and matches the late configuration of the cockpit. Everything is 3D printed in resin. The manufacturer's assembly instructions show the cockpit tub, the ejection seat, the instrument panel, the side consoles, the inner frame and canopy details, clear parts and decals with placards; the canopy can be built closed or opened. The Hyperdetailed designation is the highest level of execution — separately printed micro-parts are inserted into the panels and consoles: switches, levers and knobs.

Beware of confusing it with the early version

The manufacturer also makes an early version of the same set (likewise for the Trumpeter 1:32 kit). The sets are not interchangeable and the difference is not a cosmetic one. A comparison of the manufacturer's assembly instructions shows that they differ in the ejection seat (the late one matches the SJU-8/A seat, the early one the Escapac IC-2/IG-2), in the instrument panel, in the glare shield above the panel, in the equipment behind the seat and in the canopy frame. The A-7E cabin changed during its service — always go by photographic documentation of the machine and the period you are modeling.

The real subject

The LTV A-7 Corsair II is an American subsonic carrier-based attack aircraft, created from a shortened airframe of the supersonic F-8 Crusader and with no afterburner — instead of speed it offered load and range. Navy A-7Es flew over Vietnam and later in Desert Storm as well, and the nickname SLUF caught on among the pilots. It is precisely in 1:32 that the cockpit is enormous and, with the canopy open, practically all of it is visible, so work put into a detailed cabin shows here more than anywhere.

Building and painting tips

Cut the 3D print supports off with a saw so as not to break the part. You cannot join resin with cement for plastic — reach for cyanoacrylate glue (super glue) or for two-part epoxy, which gives you more time to position things. Wash the new tub in warm water with dish soap before spraying; without that the paint holds badly on the remains of uncured resin. Do any sanding wet and with a respirator — resin dust is harmful to health. The molded cabin and parts of the interior usually have to be removed from the plastic kit so that the resin will seat — try it dry. Touch the instruments in with a brush; a dark wash will pull the relief out.

Who the set is for

• For builders of the Trumpeter 1:32 A-7E in its late form
• For models with an open canopy, where the cabin is the main scene
• For experienced modelers who work with resin and 3D printing
• For competition builds with the emphasis on a faithful interior

A detail set, not a model. The base plastic kit, glue, paints and any further accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.