1:72 Decal Pin-Up Nose Art A-20 and Stencils (Part 1)

FOXBOT decals for the Douglas A-20 in 1:72 scale - nose art and technical lettering, part one

This is a decal sheet, that is an accessory for a kit, not a model of the aircraft. According to the name it contains the paintings on the noses of the machines, so-called nose art, supplemented with technical lettering and markings. On the real aircraft those marked filler points, service accesses, warning areas and no-step zones, and on a model they are exactly what makes the difference between a toy and a convincing machine. This is the first part of a series; the number of schemes, the individual machines and the extent of the sheet are given on the packaging.

Use

• The surface has to be glossy. On matte varnish air is trapped under the film of the decal and a dull gray haze appears around the design, which is called silvering. Seal the model with gloss varnish before the decals and let it cure properly.
• Cut the large nose paintings out as close to the design as possible. The less surplus clear film is left on the model, the less visible its edge is.
• Dip the decal in lukewarm water for only a few seconds and let it slide into place on a moistened surface. Taking it out of the water only once it floats free is the surest route to damaging the backing paper.
• On this type of aircraft the nose paintings sit on a curved surface. Use a decal softener and let the film settle by itself; do not press it - while it is warm and soft it tears easily.
• Once it is dry, wipe the adhesive residue away carefully with a damp cloth, otherwise it will stay visible as glossy marks after the matting.
• Finally seal the model with a matte or semi-gloss coat, which ties the decals in with the surrounding finish.

The real subject

The Douglas A-20 was a twin-engine light bomber and attack aircraft with tricycle landing gear, used in the Second World War in a number of countries. Its crews often decorated the machines with paintings on the nose, which were part of the aviation culture of the day and today are among the most striking modeling themes.

Who the sheet is for

For modelers who build the A-20 in 1:72 scale and want to individualize a machine, and for collectors of decal sheets. Suitable for anyone who wants to give a model a face of its own instead of the standard markings from the box.

This is an accessory. The model, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.