1:72 Short Sunderland Mk.I

Short Sunderland Mk.I 1:72 - an Xtradecal decal sheet

A sheet of waterslide decals from the British brand Xtradecal in 1:72 scale with markings for the four-engined Short Sunderland flying boat in the Mk.I version. In 1:72 scale the Sunderland is a large model with big smooth areas of hull, so decals play a greater part on it than on a small fighter: the codes and markings are conspicuous and the way they are settled decides the final impression. Which particular machines the sheet covers is given on the packaging and in the instructions supplied; compare what the manufacturer gives on the packaging before buying.

The real subject

The Short Sunderland was a British four-engined seaplane of the flying boat kind, that is a machine whose hull is itself shaped like a boat. It grew out of the design of an airliner and entered service at the end of the 1930s. It served for long-range patrol over the sea, convoy escort and rescue flights, duties that called above all for great range and the ability to stay in the air for many hours. The inside of the hull was laid out over two decks with stations for a numerous crew. The Mk.I version is the initial production form. The characteristic marks of the type are the high-mounted wing, the boat hull with a pronounced step on the bottom and the auxiliary floats under the wings.

Application tips

On a large boat hull, work with decals differs from work on the slim fuselage of a fighter. The areas are wide and slightly convex, so a decal can be settled comfortably, but every bubble or crookedly placed code will show all the more. Take the time to measure: make yourself a temporary guide line with tape and place the decal against it while there is still water underneath. Press the water out from the center toward the edges with a soft cloth, and on large areas rather in two goes. If the sheet is older, the film may be brittle and the adhesive weak; it helps to spray the sheet lightly with gloss varnish from a can, let it dry and only then soak the decals. Seal the finished model with a matte varnish. On a seaplane, restrained weathering is in order: salt and weathered paint yes, but none of the mud effects that belong to ground vehicles.

Who the sheet is for

• Builders of large models of British coastal aviation in 1:72 scale.
• Modelers interested in seaplanes and flying boats.
• Those who want markings other than those in the basic package.
• Collectors of decal sheets for types of the Second World War period.

This is an accessory for a model. The sheet contains neither a kit, paints nor glue.