PACIFIC CARRIER AVIATION GROUP BUILD

this is first thread I found in the "decal" forum.

cs.finescale.com/.../159139.aspx

I'm sure there's many more, unfortunately though I do not personally have an answer

Thanks Josiah. I just took another look at it and I can see where the panel lines are now, but it still isn't going in. I'll see how it looks tomorrow.

yeah I just use model masters decal set but its not great. I've heard micro sol is good but I've never tried it....I always just put the decals on and if they aren't perfect I say oh well....but thats cuz something usually goes wrong before the decals or right after ha!

Bob, What are you using for a setting solution? I use solvaset and it works very well. Although, I just purchased some of Humbrols new setting solution at the advice of the owner of my nearest LHS. The video on it is rather impressive. Another thing you can do is to very very carefully run an xacto blade along the panel lines through the decal, essentially cutting the decal along the lines. Better yet is if you have a round blade that you can roll along the lines. Then apply setting solution. This will aid the decal in conforming to the contours.

I'v'e got a bottle of Model Master's setting solution.  I've thought about running a knife along the panel lines, and that would work except for a circular hatch that's covered by the national insignia on the fuselage.  I'll take a look at it later today to see how it looks.  I'll have to look into some solvaset though.

Hey Bob, and everyone else , check out this video on using Humbrol's new Decal Fix. I will be trying this stuff out for the first time on my Hellcat. Hopefully it works as advertised.

www.youtube.com/watch

Also Bob, should you get some Solvaset, which is awesome by the way, be sure to test it on the decals you will be using as it is very hot stuff and you want to make sure that your decals will react favorably to it.

Good looking out Joe!  If that stuff works as advertised I will have to pick  some up.

Finished the decals, I never did get the MM setting solution to work.  Looks like I'll be getting some Micro Sol for my next plane with recessed panel lines.  Generally, I'm pretty happy with how it looks.  The flash kind of washes it out, but the preshading looks pretty good, and I'm not sure if I need to do a panel line wash.  I still have some time to make up my mind though.

Looks really good, SB! The pre-shading turned out very well!

She's a real beauty, Bob! Keep up the awesome work!

Your decals and and preshading turned out rather fantastic Bob. I certainly think a wash would enhance your efforts. Although, to me , the tri color scheme presents a challenge. Even though a dark wash would go on the underside white, the upper dark blue is best washed with a light gray. Just seems an odd contrast to me and I struggle with visualizing that. But, I'm certain that I will take that route nonetheless. Great work Bob.

Thanks for the compliments guys!    I agree with you Joe, it's hard for me to visualize how that would look all together with multiple wash shades.  I'm going to try an overall medium gray wash and see how that looks.

Yeah, I think an overall gray wash should do the trick...

Hey SilentBob,

That's a killer SBD you got there!!  Awesome job; can't wait to see it finished!!

Well, here she is!  I didn't weather it too heavy because according to the instructions the SBD-5s were pretty new aboard the USS Lexington for the Battle of Tarawa, and neither of the aircraft represented by the provided decal sheet survived the battle as they were written off due to hard landings.  I'm pretty happy about how she turned out.  I'm going to have to keep an eye out for more Accurate Miniatures kits at shows.

Yay Buddy! That there is a beauty Bob. Simply excellent work there. I especially like how you considered the history and service length and applied it to the weathering. Very well done. It's kind of difficult for me to tell for sure from your pics but, did you go without applying a wash? Either way Bob, you should be quite proud of your finished Dauntless. I greatly appreciate you taking the time and effort to share your build and skills with us. You know, there is plenty of time left as well as plenty of 1944 subjects for you to stick with us for another round. Just sayin'.

Thanks Joe!  I did end up doing a gray wash, but it's hard to see in the pictures.  Probably a combination of bad lighting and my poor photography skills.  I may be back if I can meet all my other commitments.  I do have some other kits in the stash that would work though...

Very impressive, bob.  Great job all around, but particularly impressive are all those little holes in the dive brakes.  Nicely done!

Bob that looks wonderful!!

Bob, the SBD looks outstanding! Excellent job!

Gentleman,

I am going on vacation later this week, I plan to start on my SB2U once I'm back. Kind of have some inspiration now that Bob has completed his SBD!

Thanks,

Thanks guys!  I think it's more the kit than my skills though 

Your SBD looks fantastic Indeed, Bob! You actually convinced me to get Academy's re-release of the AM kit! What picture do you want to see on the front page?

Thanks Clemens!  It was a blast to build.  I think this one would be good for the front.

Hey Bob, I Like It!!!

Very impressive job there, Bob.  Thanks for sharing the great pictures!

Thanks guys!

Hey There Gentlemen. I've actually got some activity to share. Got the wings on complete with Quickboost gun barrels. A cool aspect of this Eduard Hellcat is that had no need to glue the wings on as they slipped into the slots nice and tight.  Also carved off the molded on exhaust pipes with my Dremel and installed Quickboost replacements. In addition I've utilized PE on the tail wheel, oil cooler vent, belly access hatch and the upper fuselage ID lights. I have yet to install the PE lower fuselage light rings. They are going to be a challenge to get lined up properly as there is no molded features to follow. Not to mention they are very tiny. So, here are some pics of my current status. Thanks for having a look. Any obs are welcome.

I can only imagine how small that PE is...and those gun barrels! tiny tiny, looking good though!

Agreed, I can't believe it's 1/72!

Thank You Very Much Josiah and Bob. It really is appreciated.