1:144 Curtiss Hawk 81-A2 - Flying Tigers over China - Part III

Decals for the Curtiss Hawk 81-A2 in 1:144 scale

A sheet of decals for the Curtiss Hawk 81-A2 fighter aircraft in the version of the Flying Tigers volunteer group operating over China. This is the third part of the range, so it widens the choice of machines you can build in the small scale.

The real subject

The Hawk 81-A2 is the export designation of the Curtiss fighter aircraft of the P-40 family. It was flown by American volunteers who fought over China during the Second World War and whose machines were made famous by the painted shark mouth on the nose. Hardly any other decoration appears on models more often, and in 1:144 scale it is exactly what decides the result: the model is small, in shape it does not differ much from the other fighters of its day, and the color scheme becomes its recognizable mark. Which particular machines and markings the sheet offers is in its enclosure.

How to apply the decals

• Varnish the area under the decal with gloss varnish; on a matte surface white patches will form under the film.
• Cut out only one marking at a time and dip it in lukewarm water for a few seconds.
• Let the decal stand on a paper towel until it can be slid off the backing; work with it at that moment, not sooner.
• Slide the marking into place, draw the surplus water off and ease the position with a brush.
• On broken-up areas use a decal softener, so that the film draws down into the engraved lines and over the rivets.
• Small decals at this scale will take water only briefly; longer soaking floats them off the backing before you can get them on.
• Seal the finished decals with varnish of whatever sheen you want.

Terms of supply

A sheet of decals is supplied. A kit of the aircraft, paints, varnish and a decal softener are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.