1:144 F-86F SABRE 335th FIS decal

1:144 F-86F Sabre: a Brengun decal sheet

A decal set for a model of the F-86F Sabre jet fighter scaled to 1:144, focused on the markings of the US 335th Fighter Squadron. It is a separate accessory from the Czech maker Brengun; the box holds neither the aircraft model nor paints.

What the decals are for

Decals carry the markings, the national insignia and the lettering that cannot reliably be painted on a model or sprayed through a mask, and in 1:144 scale the latter applies to practically everything except large areas. A separate decal sheet also lets you build a particular machine in markings other than those the kit offers.

How to apply the decals

The surface underneath has to be smooth and glossy. On matte paint a decal settles with a white haze around its edges, known as silvering, because air gets under the film; that is why a coat of gloss clear is applied first. Cut the decal out as close as you can, soak it for a few seconds in lukewarm water and let it rest on the paper until it will slide off the backing. Slide it onto the model, guide it with a brush and blot the excess water with a lint-free cloth. On broken-up surfaces a decal softener helps, as it makes the film supple so that it flows around rivets and engraving. Once it is dry, the whole model is oversprayed with a matte or satin varnish, which blends the edges of the film into the surface.

Who the set is for

• modelers building the F-86F Sabre in 1:144 scale
• those who want to give a model markings other than the kit offers
• builders of collections of machines from a single unit
• modelers whose original kit decals were damaged or have yellowed

The package holds decals only. The model, paints, varnish and decal softener are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.