1:144 USAAF insignia 1942-43 (diameter 20; 24; 30; 35; 40; 50; 60

The real subject

American aircraft went through several changes of national insignia in 1942 and 1943. The older form was a white five-pointed star in a blue circle; during 1943 side bars were added to it, so that the marking took the form of a wide device across the fuselage and the wing. A modeler therefore needs insignia in exactly the form that matches the aircraft by its period of service, and in 1:144 scale they are practically impossible to draw by hand.

What the sheet contains

This is a decal sheet for 1:144 scale with American national insignia of the 1942 to 1943 period. The insignia are on the sheet in several sizes, so a single sheet will cover aircraft of different dimensions as well as different positions on the airframe. The exact content of the sheet, the number of pieces and the sizes of the individual insignia are given in the manufacturer's description and instructions.

How to apply the decals

With ordinary sheets the wet method is used: the element is cut out together with its backing, dipped for a few seconds in lukewarm water, left to stand and then slid off the paper onto the moistened spot. Before you dip the sheet, check the instructions to see whether it is not a self-adhesive version; a self-adhesive film that has been dipped is ruined, whereas a wet decal can be dipped at any time later. The base should be glossy and smooth, otherwise a white veil will appear under the film. Fine-tune the settling with a decal softener and overcoat with matte varnish once dry.

• 1:144 scale, a sheet of national insignia
• American insignia of the 1942 to 1943 period
• insignia in several sizes on one sheet
• before dipping, check the instructions to see whether it is not a self-adhesive version
• a decal holds best on a glossy and smooth base

Terms of supply

The model, paints, varnish and decal softener are not included, unless stated otherwise.