1:32 Albatros D.V & D.Va - Transparent

Albatros D.V and D.Va - Transparent 1:32 (HGW)

A sheet of decals from the Czech manufacturer HGW with a wood grain, intended for models of the Albatros D.V and D.Va fighter aircraft in 1:32 scale. It is not a kit, but an accessory for surface finishing. The form is transparent: the print has no covering white underprint, so the color of the base shows through and, together with the grain, sets the resulting shade of the wood. A single sheet can therefore give both a lighter and a richer result according to the base color chosen.

The real subject

The Albatros D.V and its strengthened version the D.Va were German single-seat fighter aircraft of the later phase of the First World War. A characteristic feature of the design is the semi-monocoque fuselage of bent plywood, whose wooden texture stayed visible under the finish. It is exactly this surface that is the most conspicuous item on a model in a large scale and that decides whether the model looks convincing.

Use and tips

First spray the fuselage with a smooth covering paint in a light tone and varnish it over with a gloss varnish. Cut the segments so that the direction of the grain follows the longitudinal axis of the fuselage, and run the joints in the places where the real structure is divided. Once soaked, let the decal release, adjust the position, press the water out and let it dry thoroughly. On the rounded sides of the fuselage use a softener, so that the material lies down without creases. At the end bring the surface together with a semi-matte varnish and bring the transitions and the edges out with a fine dark wash.

Who the set is for

• Builders of First World War aircraft in 1:32 scale
• Modelers building the Albatros D.V or D.Va
• Those who want a true plywood fuselage without painting the grain by hand
• More experienced modelers working with large-area decals

This is an accessory for surface finishing, not a model. A kit, paints and varnishes are not included in the package.