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Vintage Model Kit Decals

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  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Uniontown, PA
Vintage Model Kit Decals
Posted by jim s. on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 8:44 AM

I am considering purchasing the  Monogram P-47 Razorback Thunderbolt Do 335 Arrow Model Kit, Air Combat Series 1987.  Does anyone have any feed back on the quality on the decals on a older kit? Thank you in advance.

Jim

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Naples, FL
Posted by tempestjohnny on Thursday, January 18, 2018 8:27 PM
Depends on how they were stored. There are plenty of aftermarket decals for the T-bolt

 

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Sydney, Australia
Posted by Phil_H on Friday, January 19, 2018 12:23 AM

You may be better off using aftermarket decals in any case, as the ones provided in the kit are extremely basic. In the case of the P47, there is little more than national markings, kill markings (sans swastikas) and side letters. No stencilling, though IIRC, a decal is provided for the instrument panel.

If you do go with the kit decals, I'd recommend a decal bonding agent such as Microscale's Liquid Decal Film or Testors decal bonder as insurance

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Friday, January 19, 2018 5:33 AM

Good advice so far Jim.  I agree with all.  I'd have a set of aftermarket decals ready to go.  I'm one to go to shows and buy all the "cheap" older kits and my average on older decals is not good.  If they are yellowed, you can try leaving them in a window with lots of sun to try and bleach them out...but I have not had luck with that.  I've had some that looked perfect, put them in water and they all but dissolved!  I've heard of some spraying a set of decals with a coat of clear coat.  Never tried that.  I have the kit you are considering and they are nice models, so don't let the fear of bad decals stop you from getting them.  Plenty of aftermarket decals for all the planes you'd have and they are reasonable prices.  If you do go the aftermarket route, be sure to check out Amazon...sometimes they have better prices.  Hope all this helps.

 

 

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Uniontown, PA
Posted by jim s. on Friday, January 19, 2018 5:05 PM

Thanks for the advice, Eagle 90. I had this kit as a young boy and I would try it as an adult. Just getting back into the hobby, the price is very good for two interesting subjects. 

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Uniontown, PA
Posted by jim s. on Friday, January 19, 2018 5:11 PM

Thanks for the advice Phil! I am going to be exploring aftermarket decals.

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Uniontown, PA
Posted by jim s. on Friday, January 19, 2018 5:17 PM

Retired in Kali, I hadn't considered scanning the decals. Thanks for the advice. 

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Uniontown, PA
Posted by jim s. on Friday, January 19, 2018 5:19 PM

TempestJohnny, I think aftermarket is the route to go. Thank you!

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Saturday, January 20, 2018 9:56 AM

Whenever I build an old kit, I scan the decals before I start cutting up the sheet.  That way, if Decal Film doesn't solve the problem, I can duplicate some of the decals with inkjet decal paper.  Dark decals are easy to make, light colored ones problematic.

 

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Uniontown, PA
Posted by jim s. on Sunday, January 21, 2018 9:03 AM

Thanks, Don! I am going to get that kit and scan the decals. Also, I will begin searching for aftermarket decals. 

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