1:144 Turkish Air Force and Navy Insignia, 2 sets

Insignia of the Turkish Air Force and Navy 1:144 (Mark I, decals)

A stand-alone sheet of waterslide decals for 1:144 scale, not a kit. What makes this item unusual is that the insignia of two services are together on one sheet: the Turkish Air Force and Turkish naval aviation. The package holds two identical sets.

The markings and what follows from them for planning

Turkish aviation markings build on national symbolism and colors. Because the sheet brings two services together, it is not a given that it can be used in full on one model. Before you set to work, go through the contents of the sheet and divide it into the part you really need now and the part that will be left. The two sets in the package make that consideration considerably easier: you can build one aircraft from the Turkish Air Force part and another from the naval one and still have a reserve left in case one of the insignia tears during application.

Application tips

The surface must be glossy, otherwise air is sealed under the decal and the insignia goes gray. Trim close to the edge of the printing, so that as little clear film as possible is left. Soak briefly in lukewarm water, only until the decal releases on the paper, as a longer soak washes the adhesive out. Bring the insignia from the paper to the place, fine-tune the position with a damp brush and draw the water off from the center outward. Over rivet lines and panel lines help it with a softener and do not press on the decal while it is damp. Once dry, varnish the whole model so that the sheen is evened out and the edge of the film disappears.

Who the sheet is for

• Builders of Turkish aviation hardware in 1:144 scale.
• Modelers who want the markings of both services in one package.
• Those adding markings of a kind not found in ordinary boxes.
• Collectors of marking collections by country.

This is a stand-alone decal sheet, not a kit. The model, paints, varnish and softener are not included in the package.