1:48 Soviet Red Stars part III

About the national insignia

The red five-pointed star was the national insignia of the Soviet Air Force throughout its existence. Its form changed over time, though: older machines carried the star without an outline, while later an outline came into use that set the insignia apart from the camouflage and kept it legible even on a dark surface. The size and the placement on the wing, the fuselage and the rudder differed as well, so a star from one machine need not fit another type either in size or in shade.

What the sheet offers

A decal sheet in 1:48 scale devoted to precisely these insignia. The numbering as part three places it in a longer series whose individual sheets cover different forms of the stars. The sheet suits anywhere the insignia from the box are the wrong shade, have yellowed or have fallen apart, and also where a builder is changing the finish of a machine and needs insignia of a different size.

How to apply the decals

• Level the area under the decal to a gloss; on a matte varnish the edge of the film gives itself away as a white haze.
• Trim the motif close to the print and dip it in lukewarm water for a few seconds.
• Let it rest until the film starts to move on the paper, and only then slide it onto the model.
• Draw the surplus water off with a soft cloth and help the decal over the rivets and edges with a softener.
• Seal the dried decal with varnish and only then give the model its final matte surface.

Who the sheet is for

For builders of Soviet aircraft in 1:48 scale who want their national insignia in the right form and in good print quality. The package holds a decal sheet. The kit, paints, varnish, glue and softener are not included, unless stated otherwise.