Decal wax

You should be able to soak the decal, which should release the protective paper covering the sheet. I'd cut a section of the decal sheet off and give it a try. This way you don't waste any decals...if it works. If it does, you'll be able to proceed. If it doesn't you might want to source and aftermarket sheet. I don't think that kit has been in production for a very long time. Hence no replies from the mfr.

The paper is off. It is the wax coating that remains. Suppes I will have buy an aftermarket decal sheet, but the 1/72 are all out of production and the ones on EBay are pricey.