Has anyone else had issues with the decals in the PL 1:1000 kit of the original Enterprise? I finally got to starting on them today, and the [cnsod] things are splitting all over the place!
I had a similar problem with an old BSG Viper kit about 2 years ago and figured that time since starting that project ( I’d actually started the Viper around 8 years prior and went back to finishing it ) had been a factor in thise decals becoming brittle once the kit had been opened. This time, I waited until Iwas actually ready to use the decals to open the plastic bag, it had only been open for about a week, and they’re still splitting!
The PL D-7 didn’t have this problem. Did I just get decals from a bad batch or something?
Before you try to do any more decalling, pick up a jar of MicroScale Liquid Decal Film. Paint it (thinly) over the decals, trim closely and use the decals as normal. It will save you a lot of frustration.
Thanks for the tip, I’ll try the stuff out. Just a couple of quick questions:
Is it time-sensitive to where I should only apply it immediately before using the decals, or would it be okay to coat the whole sheet if I’m taking a few days while waiting for some to dry completely before taking care of the rest?
Are there issues with particular setting solutions and such to be concerned about?
There are no problems coating the decals and leaving for a while - If you apply this stuff thinly enough on the decals, they’re ready to apply inside 15 mins, but you don’t have to. It doesn’t affect them in any way other than to add a flexible film over the top.
If you apply using a brush, you can apply carefully and just overlap the clear carrier film. This may help minimise the need to trim closely to the decals.
The decals I used this with were pretty unresponsive to decal setting solutions - I tried MicroSet MicroSol and Gunze Mr Mark Softer and while the decals didn’t respond much at all, I didn’t notice any ill effects with the Liquid Decal Film. I suspect a thin coat would be preferable to a thick coat, as too thick may retarf the action of the setting solution. I would expect it to be compatible with MicroSet/Sol as it’s made by the same company. [:)]
You may wish to do a trial on some scrap decals first to get a feel for how it behaves.
PS: Use a soft brush, apply thinly and don’t worry about brush marks - this stuff levels as it dries and dries so thinly you can’t even see it on the sheet.
The instructions don’t mention anything about cleanup - wash your brush with water afterwards.
Thanks for the tips, guys. Got the stuff in last night and immediately put it to use ( trying to finish that Enterprise for display at the LHS so I won’t have to worry about it in the move ). It worked perfectly. I’m going to recommend the LHS owner carry some since I figure beginners who have problems like I did might be discouraged. Having easy access, and maybe a recommendation to make this stuff a basic “must have” when starting, might help keep up some of the local interest in the hobby.
Next experiment: seeing if this will allow me to get the Destroid “nose art” I have in mind on the Phalanx…