1:32 5 Color lower Lozenge with rib tapes, pattern 2 (Faded with fabric texture and overprint efect)

The real subject

Lozenge is a camouflage pattern of irregular polygons with which German aircraft were covered during the First World War. It was not a coat of paint: the pattern was printed directly onto the covering fabric, which was only then stretched over the frame. Paint and weight were saved by that and the surface stayed smooth. The lower surfaces were given a set of shades of their own, because from below the machine hid itself against the sky, whereas from above against the terrain. This sheet covers the five-color variant for the lower surfaces, in the pattern designated as the second one.

What the sheet offers

Besides the pattern itself the sheet carries rib tapes. On the real aircraft these were taped over the seams of the covering at the ribs, so that on the wing they created regular stripes across the span; without them the surface looks unusually smooth. The printing has a faded tone and a suggested structure of the cloth, thanks to which the surface does not look like a glossy film once dry.

How the lozenge is applied

First coat the ground with gloss clear. Cut the sheet into strips according to the width of the covering panels on the real subject, soak each strip in lukewarm water and let it rest a while until the film releases. Slide the strip on from the leading edge and press the water out from under it with a soft cloth. A decal softener will help the pattern settle into the hollows and over the ribs. Once everything has dried, the rib tapes come in turn and finally a matte clear coat.

Who it is for

The sheet will be appreciated by builders of German aircraft of the First World War in a large scale. The model, the paints and the clear coat are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.