Hey guys… I usually like to post with a smile on my face. But today I am grumpy as hell… Because I have finished with my Japanese modern Jet collection, I am kinda tired of Japanese stuff, and wanted to do a collection of Australia’s RAAF modern Jet fleet… So for months I have been organising and planning the things that I need…
I wanted to represent both the F/A-18A, and F/A-18B models. And so went to great lengths, not only getting the kits (easy part) but also getting the decals… Now, to get Australian stuff of any kind is a little difficult, and so have to relay on Aussie decals to do the job… I tried doing an Australian Hornet using Aussie decals about 3 years ago, and after all of the decals desintigrated before I could get them off the backing paper, I was bound to putting that model away, never to be seen again…
3 years on, and a trip from Japan to my native Australia, I picked up a set of 3 squadron decals with the black southern cross… After assembling both my A, and B Hornets, I was ready for decalling… After memories of my last attempt with Aussie decals, I was particularly carefull with this new set… 5 minutes into the procedure, and watching my first decal shatter before my eyes. I was put in the position of once again having to put a fully prepared model back up into the cupboard… I did however manage to get a second set to work, but used them on my B model… I am usually big on being canon, but atleast happy to have a representation of an Australian Hornet…
Anyone used Aussie decals. And if so, had problems?.. I am also refering to the Sharks mouth 3 squadron decals that come on a whitish backing paper…
As for my F/A-18A model… I have decided that I would like to do a Canadian Air Force hornet… Just need to get my hands on some good decals!
Chris in Japan
Chris,
I’ve just come from a decal session on my F/A-18A Hornet, using the same decals you’re describing (they’re actually cobra heads). I found that after they were properly soaked and carefully handled, the decals went on with little resistance. With a bit of micro-set, they snuggle down really well.
Basically, I found that, given proper care and caution, they really are great decals. They hug close to the model, but yes, they are VERY thin decals and require extreme care.
As for the cobra’s heads, the instructions state that they can be cut up into more manageable pieces to ease application.
Good luck on the rest of your builds.
Cheers,
John
Thanks John… This is the second set that I have had, and the exact same thing happened, even with 3 years apart… I would soak them, and even before I got my hands on them, they just dissintegrated… Dont know why… But I thats whats happened… The Cobra’s heads have sat untouched… Anyways, I will start on my Hawk and F-111 now…
Chris in Japan
Hey Aus,
Check at www.Zedhobbies.com or email Alana there and ask about decals for the Australian Air force/navy…etc…I know Gekkographics makes a sheet with the roo’s roundels if you need a replacement…
Tank
The best source for Australian decals is from HAWKEYE MODELS.Just do a google search unfortunately the company no longer operates but the decals are still available from many sources in Australia.
note — It’s not a Cobra it’s a TAIPAN Australia’s most venomous snake.
hey auslexusjapan have you decide on a paint scheme for your caf hornet check out leding edge they have some cool schemes for their f-18s. also have you seen the 20 annive raaf scheme it was just released at thier air show her are some pics of the f-18.
G’Day all,
Aussie decals can be problematic at times. My main problem is getting a setting solution to encourage the decals to conform to surface detail, without destroying the decals.
I have had a set of decals shatter on me when applying one of the major markings [:(!], however I solved the problem with the rest of the decals by applying testors flat coat.
Unfortunately it seems Aussie Decals are the only company left, with a range of Markings for Aussie Aircraft - Hawkeye Models seem to have ceased producing their range.
Cheers
Mark