1:144 (White Decal Paper) WW1 German "Naval Hex" Hand Painted Linen

Aviattic Naval Hex 1:144, the German naval hexagonal pattern

This decal sheet from the British brand Aviattic reproduces the German naval hexagonal camouflage pattern that covered the fabric of the naval aircraft of imperial Germany at the end of the First World War. The artwork is based on a hand-painted treatment of the fabric, so the drawing carries the fine irregularities and the texture of real cloth. The sheet is printed on a white decal backing, so the pattern covers well and its final tone does not depend on the color of the surface of the model.

The pattern

The hexagonal print served the same purpose as the better known polygonal lozenge pattern on land machines: the camouflage was printed directly onto the covering fabric, which saved both weight and labor compared with spraying paint. Naval versions appeared on floatplanes and patrol aircraft operating over the North Sea. In 1:144 scale this is a pattern that can hardly be imitated convincingly with a brush, so a decal is the most practical route to a realistic result.

Application tips

Prepare the surface of the model smooth and glossy so that the decal adheres well and no silvering appears. Cut the individual segments to the panels of fabric, work with softener and push the surplus water out from the center to the edges. Once it is perfectly dry, close the whole with a coat of clear to whatever degree of sheen you want; a satin or matte finish looks most natural on fabric coverings.

Who the sheet is for

• builders of 1:144 miniatures focused on the First World War
• modelers of naval aviation who want a faithful covering without laborious painting
• collectors who want to try the Aviattic texture decals in a small scale

This is a decal accessory, not a kit: the model, the paints and the glue are not included in the package.