Making the best of decal instuments

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

How do you guys handle this? Kinda hard to drybrush 'em.

I have a situation where the intrument panel itself has decal instuments. The console is regular raised detail. Needless to say, they clash! How can I make the decals “blend” and fit in a little better?

Any techniques for this are welcome.

Thanks.
Dana

2

Dana,

Have you tried decal solvents like Micro Sol?

After seeing how my other decals suck down over raised and recessed detail when I use Micro Set and Micro Sol, I’m excited to try the same thing with my Fujimi F-14. It has raised detail for the instruments, and decals to cover them. It should look pretty good when finished.

Regards,

3

Sorry, I think you misunderstood me. The area where the decal goes is completly smooth. The consoles have no decals but are have raised detail. I’m trying to find a way to “weather” the decals so they don’t look so bright and new compared to the rest of the “weathered” cockpit.

4

Dana,

You’re right, I completely misunderstood you.

Generally, when I see photos of beat up cockpits, the instruments themselves look pretty good, but the paint is worn away on the edges of things:

http://www.montaguemillennium.com/images/founder/aircraft/mil/McDonald-Douglas%20Phantom%20II%20F-4C%20Cockpit.jpg

Maybe some highlights or scuffs on the sharp corners may help.

Regards,

5

I see your point. I guess what I really would still like to do is tone the decals down. They just seem to bright and new. Maybe a slight overspray with grey?

6

Dry brush with Tamiya Smoke?