1:48 Dornier Do17 Z-10

The real subject

The Dornier Do 17 was a German twin-engine aircraft with a narrow fuselage that earned it the nickname the flying pencil for its slender shape. The Z series is its later production form with a roomier front section. The designation Z-10 belongs to the night fighter conversions of the type, in which a solid nose with armament took the place of the glazed one.

What the sheet is for

Decals take the place of painting insignia and lettering by hand, which is hard to draw in 1:48 scale. They go onto a finished coat of paint and once dry they blend into the surface so that the carrier film cannot be seen. The instructions supplied by the manufacturer describe which particular aircraft and markings the sheet holds.

Application procedure

Before you wet the sheet, check in the instructions whether it is a self-adhesive version; a self-adhesive film that has been soaked is ruined for good, while a wet decal can be soaked at any time later. On an ordinary wet sheet, cut the item out close to the edge, dip it in water for a few seconds and let it rest until it starts to slide on its backing. The surface should be smooth and glossy, otherwise matte whitening appears under the film. Move the item into place, squeeze the water out and blot the excess with a paper towel. A decal softener helps the decal settle into engraved lines and over rivets.

• 1:48 scale, the real subject is the Dornier Do 17 Z-10
• a decal sheet for the markings of a model
• it goes onto a finished and glossy coat of paint
• once dry it is overcoated so that the edge of the film disappears

Who it is for

For builders of German aircraft who want to take a model to a particular machine. The sheet also serves as a replacement for yellowed decals from an older kit.

A decal sheet is supplied. The model, paints, decal softener and varnish are not included, unless stated otherwise.