1:72 Dornier Do-217K (W. Bradel) U5+AA Stab./KG 2

Decals 1:72 Dornier Do 217 K, a KG 2 staff machine

A set of wet decals from the OWL brand in 1:72 scale for marking the Dornier Do 217 K bomber with the staff fuselage code of the KG 2 Geschwader. The Do 217 was the more powerful and substantially larger successor to the Do 17; the K version was distinguished by a fully glazed nose with no stepped windshield. The sheet is not a model; it is applied to a finished, painted kit of the same type and scale.

Preparing the surface under the decal

The codes of staff machines tend to be large and supplemented by further characters, so they take up a lot of area. Paint the model, therefore, seal the area under the decals with a gloss varnish and let it cure properly. Varnish that is still soft underneath will be imprinted under the film and the decal can no longer be straightened.

Application and decal softeners

Cut the individual characters out separately and close to the printing. After soaking, let the film release on the backing paper, transfer it to the model with a drop of water and adjust the position with a soft brush. Push the excess water out with a tissue from the center outward. With long codes, measure out the spacing of the characters in advance; once applied they can no longer be moved. Over engraved lines and the side windows use a decal softener and do not slide the decal any more. Wrinkling while drying is part of the process. Once dry, varnish the surface with a matte or satin varnish, or the edges of the film will stay visible.

Who the set is for

• Builders of German bombers in 1:72 scale
• Anyone interested in the markings of staff machines and the system of fuselage codes
• Modelers who want a documented particular machine
• Collectors whose decals from the kit have aged

This is a sheet of decals, not a kit. The model, the paints and the varnish are not included in the package.