This dry transfer sheet from
Hobbydecal
includes stencils and markings for the A-10 Warthog, and is available in
all three of the most popular scales: 1/32, 1/48. and 1/72. Many of
the markings on modern aircraft (inlcuding the stencil data) are painted
on using stencils and masks, and dry transfers replicate these markings
very well.
Dry transfers are reverse
printed on a temporary clear film. When you apply the stencils you
lay the back of the stencils on the painted surface of the model and then
burnish (rub) them down through the clear temporary carrier film.
The dry transfer adheres to the model's surface and disengages from the
clear carrier film. The beauty of dry transfers is particularly
apparent on models with bare metal finishes. The clear carrier film
normally associated with waterslide decals simply isn't there, and all
that you're left with is the marking itself. It also eliminates
silvering, and no setting solutions are required in most cases. If
the markings need a little help settiling into deep recesses, Hobbydecal
recommends burnishing the transferred marking down with a moist Q-Tip.
While this represents a departure from the application of waterslide
decals, they really are easy to use once you get the hang of it.
They also tend to speed up the finishing time on your model. Once you get
used to using fry transfers, you'll find that in many cases, they'll go on
quicker than waterslides. Just remember to completely burnish the
markings before lifting the sheet.
Remember, the one downside to
applying dry transfers is this: once they're on the surface of the
model, there's no moving them around - they're permanent. Be sure to
place the markings carefully before burnishing. Sometimes it's best to
cut the transfers out and tape them down to ensure exact placement.
The dry transfers are very
clearly printed and will replicate the actual stencils on the
perfectly. This particular sheet contains all pertinent A-10 stencil
data including NO STEP markings, ejection seat triangles in two colors,
UARRSI refueling aligner, RESCUE arrows, and loads of other stencil data.
There are even numerals to be used to apply the nose numbers, and national
insignia are also supplied.
It's difficult to see in the
scan of the entire sheet just how clearly the markings are printed.
But rest assured....these are very clearly printed and you will be
impressed.
Click on
images below to see larger images
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To apply
the dry transfers you need a rounded tool to rub the clear carrier
film to burnish the dry transfer top the painted surface of the
model. Below is the burnishing tool available from
Hobbydecal.
You can also use a soft lead pencil to burnish the markings down.
I like using the pencil because it shows me exactly where I've
burnished the transfer, and what remains to be burnished before
lifting the sheet. However, the burnishing tool is very
effective, and has the advantage of being small and lightweight,
allowing you to apply transfers even in tight spaces.
The
instruction sheet provides clear directions as to the placement of
the markings. The instruction sheet is printed as one sheet,
back-to-back, and provides placement data for the sides of the
aircraft on one side, and top/bottom on the reverse side.
In
addition, the cardboard insert contains generic instructions on
applying dry transfers The carboard insert not only protects the
sheet during shipping, but the directions on application are very
informative as well. Follow them to the letter the first few
times until you get the hang of applying dry transfers, and you'll
pick up the technique very quickly. The Hobbydecal
website has instruction on applying transfers as well.
If you want maximum realism, then
try these dry transfers - I guarantee that you will be impressed. Hobbydecal
has a variety of dry transfers for a large variety of aircraft ranging from WWII
to modern aircraft. Check out their website to view their complete
line.
I would like to
thank Hobbydecal
for
providing me with this review sample, and I look forward to using them on my
future A-10 projects.
Steve
Filak
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