1:48 Grumman F4F-4 Wildca

Techmod 1:48 Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat - decals

A set of water-slide (wet) decals in 1:48 scale for models of the American Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat carrier fighter. It is not a kit but a separate decal sheet with dense, precisely registered printing and a thin carrier film that all but merges with the surface of the model once dry. The manufacturer is the Polish brand Techmod, known for clean registration and good opacity of its colors.

The subject and the schemes

The Wildcat was the main carrier fighter of the US Navy and the Marine Corps in the early part of the war in the Pacific and during the landings in North Africa. The sheet offers several period markings from 1942, among them machines from Guadalcanal, aircraft operating from the decks of American carriers and a scheme from Operation Torch. Fuselage codes, national insignia and supplementary stencils are all included.

Use and tips

• Coat the ground with gloss varnish, so that the decal adheres better and no silvering appears.
• Cut the item out, dip it in lukewarm water for a few seconds and slide it off the backing into place.
• A decal softener makes it easier to settle over rivets and panel lines.
• Once dry, seal with a matte or semi-gloss varnish to even the surface out.

Who the set is for

• Modelers who want authentic and faithfully colored markings for their Wildcat.
• Collectors building US Navy and USMC machines from the start of the war in the Pacific.

This is an accessory for a model; the kit itself, paints and glue are not included in the package.