1:350 US ensign flag WWII SPACE

An American ensign for a ship model in 1:350 scale

An American naval ensign of the Second World War period rendered in color, made for ship models in 1:350 scale. The item belongs to the SPACE range from Eduard, that is among the color elements with no adhesive layer of their own. Only the backing paper is moistened, the ensign is lifted off it with tweezers and fixed with PVA glue.

The real subject

In the Second World War period the American flag had forty-eight stars, that is two fewer than today's. On a warship it was worn at the stern, and under way it was hoisted on a mast. On a model it is a small thing the eye notices at once, because it is the only markedly colored place on an otherwise gray vessel.

Building and painting tips

Painting an ensign in this scale with a brush is work that rarely turns out well, and a finished color element replaces it. First try dry exactly where the ensign will go. Moisten the backing paper under it with a sponge and a drop of detergent, take the element out with fine-jawed tweezers and seat it on a drop of PVA glue; the manufacturer does not recommend cyanoacrylate and you should not use a decal softener. Wash and degrease the area under the ensign beforehand, because on a greasy surface the element holds poorly. Once seated, press the edges down carefully with a wooden stick. Place the ensign so that the way it is turned matches where the wind is blowing from on your model, and agrees with the other flags and pennants on the vessel.

• A color American naval ensign for ship models in 1:350 scale
• An element of the SPACE range from Eduard, fixed with PVA glue
• Only the backing paper is moistened; do not use a decal softener
• It replaces painting a small color area by hand with a brush
• The base has to be washed and degreased before seating

The package contains only the element stated. The ship model, paints and glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.