How to? 1/48 Lozenge decals. HOW DO THE PRO'S DO IT? HELP/HELP.

Welcome Ionengine!

Please don't give up on Roden kits! I've built a couple and so far they've been great. Both were 1/72 scale bipes. The kits were nice but the decals were lousy. They really did remind me of the old "onion skin" typing paper. Remember that? Anywho, I replaced them with aftermarket decals.

Do a little checking on the internet. I think I got my aftermarket decals from Eagle Strike by way of Squadron mail order. They have some great decals where you can get both the lozenge patterns and the rib tape strips. Their decals came with a great little write-up about how the REAL pattern and fabric was laid on. I would highly suggest getting one of their sets and it will lay to rest any questions you might have. I don't have a mind like a steel trap so I can't remember all the details but I do recall that the real fabric was applied in sheets something like 48" wide. The fabric was then stitched to the ribs and the stitching was covered by a protective tape. Sometimes the tape carried the same camo pattern as the lozenge and sometimes it wasn't. Mine plane's scheme had blue rib tape strips on it. So imagine a multicolored lozenge pattern with blue stripes running over it.

Regarding your comment about the undersurface of the wings, yes they were often different colors than the tops. I applied the bottom pattern first and then did the tops.

The Roden kits might not be the "Tamiya" of WW1 subjects but they are great kits! Don't give up on them, man! LOL!

I hope this helped at least a little bit.

Best wishes,

Eric