Help with instrument panel

[joff]

I am quite new to modelling again and have built a couple of Wingnut Wings models (Pup and Fokker E.II/III.) One of my main problems is painting the instrument panel. I wish the instruments were operate from the panel and inserted in the back to poke through. That way, I could get a good wood grain panel and neat black or brass dial surrounds....
Are there any tips or methods for getting good results with the single piece panels?
Thank you for such a fabulous forum

Jon

[ALBATROS1234]

Many time I use the kit part to make a plastic part from plastic stock.I paint this wood color and use photo etch instrument bezels.the bezels are made by aeroclub hgw and airscale. I first place instrument decal in place and let dry.next clear coat of future. Next use future to glue on the photoetch bezel.next spray clear varnish to hold permanently.

[lcarroll]

Many time I use the kit part to make a plastic part from plastic stock.I paint this wood color and use photo etch instrument bezels.the bezels are made by aeroclub hgw and airscale. I first place instrument decal in place and let dry.next clear coat of future. Next use future to glue on the photoetch bezel.next spray clear varnish to hold permanently.

Jon,
   I use the same method but usually sand the kit Instrument Panel flush and use it. The PE Bezels are easy to work with when you use future as the adhesive, using anything else has not worked well for me. Good luck, waiting to see your results.
Cheers,
Lance

[Nigel Jackson]

Hi Jon

The advice already offered by Lance and Scott sounds fine to me. For what it's worth, my own approach has now developed along the lnes set out by Lance.

Best wishes
Nigel

[Des]

As others have said, I also sand the instrument panel smooth then add the instrument bezels and switches separately. After wood graining the panel I place the bezels in the position they need to be, I then place a small drop of CA in the centre of the bezel, the CA will flow out and under the bezels. I then cut the instrument decal to size and with a drop of clear into the centre of the bezel I place the decal on top, allow to dry then another drop of full gloss clear to act as the glass. All the other instrument components are hand made and attached with CA. Here is a picture of an instrument panel I made to fit my 1:32 scale Academy Sopwith Camel