1:72 Decal Pin-Up Nose Art C-47 and technical inscriptions (part 2)

FOXBOT decals for the Douglas C-47 in 1:72 scale - nose art and technical inscriptions, part two

A decal sheet, that is an accessory for a kit. According to the name it carries the paintings on the noses of the machines supplemented with technical inscriptions. This is the second part of the multi-part range the manufacturer has issued for this type - the individual parts are sold separately. The contents of the sheet, the number of schemes and the names of the machines are given on the packaging.

Use

• A decal softener is essential. The C-47 has a fuselage covered with rows of rivets and overlapping panels, and a film that stays stretched over them gives itself away. A softener lets it settle into the relief, so the design looks as if it had been painted straight onto the metal.
• Work in two steps: first a weaker solution to settle it, and after drying a stronger one if needed to draw it into the deeper pressings. A strong softener applied right at the start can ripple the film so badly that it will not straighten out again.
• Do not touch the decal while the softener is working. It is soft and every movement of a brush will leave a mark or tear it.
• If a bubble does appear, pierce it with the tip of a scalpel and apply a drop of softener over the puncture. The film will draw down and the opening will disappear.
• The surface has to be glossy and fully cured, otherwise the softener will attack the varnish under the decal.
• Once it is dry, tie the model together with a matte coat so that the sheen of the film does not distract.

The real subject

The Douglas C-47 was a twin-engine military transport aircraft derived from the DC-3 airliner. It served for carrying cargo and paratroopers, for towing gliders and for evacuating the wounded, and became one of the most widespread aircraft of its category. The paintings on the noses of individual machines were part of the aviation culture of the day and today are a rewarding modeling theme.

Who the sheet is for

For modelers who build the C-47 in 1:72 scale and want to give a machine a face of its own, and for collectors who put together a whole range of sheets for one type.

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