Well, I wanted to bump another thread up and use it instead, but couldn’t quite find a good one, so here’s a new one:
On the Hase 1/48 P-40 instrument panel, there are two decals supplied for it-a lighter colored one and a darker one. Why two different versions? Also, that molded piece has a lot of detail, so why cover it up with a decal? Seems like putting a decal on top of that would look really bad. Is this so they can offer you the option of painting the part itself, or decaling with whichever decal you like? If I decide to decal it, what’s the best way to go about it? Seems like a decal would just sag and wrinkle in that IP detail and look really crappy.
With a good decal setting solution the decal would set down and “hug” the details. I guess they are just giving you options. I have the kit but haven’t opened it yet. I’m trying not to open the kits I’m not going to build real soon.
Well, since they were kind enough to give me two decals, I can pick the one I like the least and see if it’ll suck down onto those details. I have my doubts though, even with decal setting solution. Guess we’ll just see when I get to that point.
I have done this on several different instrument panels with great success, using Micro Set and Micro Sol together. The 3-D effect is really great - here is an example:
You have doudts do ya[:)] It works ive done it once the decal has snuggled down and dryed spray the IP with satin or semi gloss i perfure flat myself so after that hs dryed get yourself some testors clear window making cement or crystal clear apply the the clear cement to the dial faces its white at first till it drys and that will become the glass in the interments, trust me it eorks and it works vary well just becarful when you apply it to the decal ive destoryed them so dont touch it till its dry. Hope this helps
Yeah I’ve used the decal a few times myself. It’s tough to get it lined up but when you do man oh man!
Those are from my DO-335
This is my F4U-1D Corsair. Notice the 1:1 scale hand. My painting skills have really improved! hides from things that are bound to be thrown for bad joke
But seriously, give it a shot. If you don’t like it, take the decal off and paint/drybrush/colored pencil your IP. Good luck!
Chris when I have done this I have used the clear decal with some success, why clear and not black dunno it just worked out that way.
The guys are right if you can get the little [censored] decal to line up with the instrument bezels and then use a decent setting solution the results can be outstanding.
Max your 335 is looking awesome, I’m doing that kit at the moment and it’s just an awesome piece of engineering isn’t it. Nice front office btw [tup].
Darren, Yeah that DO-335 is a sweet kit… it’s my best model I’ve completed yet! Which isnt very many since I entered the hobby, but y’know… The only thing I can recomend is that if you can find Mr. Mark Setter and Mr. Mark Softer, USE IT! My Microset and Microsol just weren’t strong enough to make the decals settle out fully. Post some pics!
P.S. I always wondered what that goofy picture in your signature was with the caption “It’s good to be king”. Then I saw the movie. Hilarious!!!
Just wanted to bump this and take a moment to thank everyone who replied. I ended up going with the black decal, and it installed perfectly and looks spectacular!!! I will never doubt the powers of Micro Sol and good advice from this forum again. Thank you all!
Hasegawa gives you the two options so you can use whatever method you prefer. The “clear” decal is meant to be applied over a painted IP with the engraved detail intact. The “black” decal is meant for those who wish to file off the engraved detail on the IP & simply apply the decal. Of course you can use it your way as well, it just makes it harder to get correct alignment.
I don’t know about being a “better” man. I just have so many kits opened already if I need to sell any I’ll get a better price if it is still sealed. I did open the new Academy CH-53! I just finished my “inventory” and it’s 920 plastic kits! 75% aircraft, the rest helicopters and some armor. I think I figured out why the “lighter” panel. The intrument lights are “on”. Heh, heh!
