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eduard
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Info Eduard - March 2011
WORKSHOP
Of course, they can be shown as if the aircraft
was in ight, but that would require the study of
each individual instrument. Even with the aircraft
hypothetically on the ground, certain instruments
can be displayed in other than the ‘zero’ position
(altimeter, compass, some pressure indicators).
This can add a level of interest to the nished
panel, but, again, it must be kept in mind that
whatever is displayed, should be realistically
possible.
The entire assembly process demands care and
neatness. Any lapse in same will show quite pain-
fully on this level of modelling.
FINISHING
The nal assembly of the panel, after the in-
stallation of all of the instruments and indicators,
involves the representation of usual wear and
tear. Here, it is necessary to consult materials
showing the item in such a state, including paying
attention to what happens to the bezels.
When it comes to the panel outright, the main
unit that was formed from a metal ‘Instrumen-
tenbrett’ panel (as opposed to the plywood
panels used on later versions of the Bf 110),
and as such, can have a slightly worn, metallic
look to it. Here, it is also necessary to point out
that the panels of the Luftwaffe were primed with
a red-brown base prior to the application
of RLM 66 or 02. This means that even the primer
Paint was not applied only to Part No.9 (dial
screws), because their original look appealed to
me. The only thing that was needed on them was
a gentle gate cleanup.
A denite possibility for the improvement
of the look of the panel that deviates from
the instructions presents itself in the treatment
of the instruments themselves. Some instruments
in the Luftwaffe were painted later for quick
pilot orientation. Often, yellow, white, blue and
red were used, each of which had their own spe-
cic purpose. For this, further references should
be consulted as recommended at the end of this
article. The details of both of the panels built in
this issue are based on them. The paint applied
to the dial frames were often far from artistic
masterpieces. There were examples of paint be-
ing applied past the frames, chipping and the
like. So don’t get too upset, if you do not attain
perfection. In 1/4 scale, the noted deciencies
would be quite evident and lend to the realism
of the nished product.
In my assembly, I painted the frames using light
blue with a very small brush, and, as in the case
of darker blue and yellow, with Gunze xtures.
The basic panel, sprayed RLM 66 (Gunze C116).
Painting of the instrument bezels.
CA application into the keyed bezel from the
backside of the panel will sufce in xing the item
in place. This will also aid in avoiding messing up
the painted components that could occur if the gluing
process was made at the front of the panel, and also
the damage that the fumes of the CA could cause
on the clear parts.
I mounted the dial frames on artists’ masking tape, and sprayed them black (Gunze
C033). Certain controls, and emergency landing gear and ap handles (bottom left)
will be painted metal (Gunze MC218) instead of the call-out in the instructions.
INSTRUMENT PLACEMENT
If you proceed with the painting of the bezels
as I have outlined, you’ll likely nd yourself in
a spot where some lose their identity. Some
of the bezels for the smaller instruments are
the same, as they are in the genuine article.
However, the plastic parts are not entirely
identical, and they differ in the location keys
that guides them into their location. I consider
this a pretty smart idea, and it eliminates the
possibility of confusing two bezels. So, be sure
to take care with the application of these for
the most part similar components, as you prepa-
re to place the bezel with its proper instrument.
The drawing in the instructions serves as a guide
to these keys.
During the completion of the instruments,
I applied the self adhesive dial faces, and with
CA glue, their respective indicator needles, and
any other details. Prior to the placement of the
clear parts, it is important to ensure that the CA
glue has completely cured and there are no
more fumes being generated. This will prevent
quite a mess.
During the placement of the clear parts,
take care to have them correctly oriented.
The instructions don’t mention it, but all of the
lenses are molded in a bit of a cone shape,
and so should be carefully examined before -
nal placement. I really needed no glue for their
installation, as their t is near exact. The bezels
are then easily placed, but with the instruments
shown in Sections H and J of the instructions, the
placement of the bezels does require some pa-
tience. I highly recommend that the bezels are
placed dry, and apply the glue into the keys that
penetrate through the corresponding panel ope-
nings, and from the back side (see photo right).
After the glue has cured, the installation
of the screws that mounted the instruments can
begin. These are also better adhered from the
rear face of the panel. During this procedure,
be very careful not to lose any....due to their size,
this would be easy, but their quantity in the kit is
exact, potentially unforgiving. During completion
of the bezels, pay attention to the instructions
and illustrations. Be aware that some of them
also act as connectors for placards and trying
to retrot these can be a very problematic thing,
especially with no spares....;-)
The landing gear and ap retraction levers,
as with the magnetos (Section ‘A’ of the instruc-
tions), require no special considerations, and are
pretty much the only place on the model whe-
re I used classic plastic cement as opposed to
CA glue. The position of the indicator needles
and other signal features and switches depict
the aircraft as being at rest, powered down.