Spada Decals

1/72 or 1/48 or 1/32 or 1/24 Albatros DIII Vol 2 decal sheet

product # LL-Alb3/04 for €9 (Euros)

Review by Steve Bamford on June 23 2008

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This new decal sheet from Spada Decals is the second in their series of decals that focuses on the Albatros DIII and it includes markings for 4 different 1/32 Albatros DIII in service with the Germany WW1.  This sheet is also available in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/24. 

You get a colourful and attractive variety of aircraft in the complicated camo patterns and big markings from this time period.  You can pay €13 (Euros) for this decal sheet and get addition wood grain decals which are always a big help when finishing off the wood grain finish on the fuselages on these aircraft.  These decals are printed on 2 sheets of decal film much like decals printed on an ALPS printer, so you will need to cut each decal from the backing paper with the use of sharp X-acto knife.  The decals don't seem to be delicate as some of the decal from other manufactures can be.  More about using these decals can be found further down in this review.

The planes included on this decal sheet are the following:

  • AlbD3, MJF III, 1917

  • AlbD3 1922/16, Jasta 24,

  • AlbD3 23??/16, pilot & unit unknown

  • AlbD3 1958/16, Jasta 12, Paul Von Osterroht

Spada Decals also has wood grain decals to assist you in building your WW1 fighter.

Click on images below to see larger images

  

The instructions are in English and do include info about the markings and paint schemes on each particular aircraft.  You get one side profile of each aircraft with top views of 2 aircraft.  The decals are nice quality and are  printed on 2 decal sheets.  This decal sheet will permit you to make 1 of the 4 different aircraft featured on this decal sheet.  

Here's some instructions from the Spada Decals website regarding using and installing their decals.

How to use "Laser Line" decals :

  • 1- Using a new scalpel blade, cut as closely as possible around the motives chosen, exercising only a small pressure in order to cut the decal film but not the paper underneath. This can be done quite
    safely, with no danger to slip away, provided you stay calm and contentrated.

  • 2- Separate the motive and its paper background from the decal sheet, taking care not to damage the other motives. 

  • 3- Put the decal on water, with the motive on the upper side. It is not necessary to cover it with water.

  • 4- Let the paper soak water for some 20 seconds or the time necessary according to the water used 
    (tepid water). With some practice, this can be determined quite accurately.

  • 5- Remove the decal from water and delicately take it away from its paper background, preferably 
    with tweezers.

  • 6- Softly put the decal on your model after the latter's surface has been carefully prepared, put it in
    the correct place and slightly press it with a soft cloth or absorbing paper.

A few useful details :

  • 1- test your softening liquid before using it. We have tested our decals with several brands that are
    available on the market but we haven't tried every one of them. In theory, it is not necessary to varnish 
    decals before they are used.

  • 2- It is possible for you to enhance the sticking power of a decal using a specific product (e.g. Blue 
    Microscale). It is also possible for you to dilute white glue into water and to put a drop of it under the decal or on the plastic part before the decal is set on your model.

This is a fine decal sheet and I must admit I have a romantic love of the fragile bi-planes and tri-planes of the First World War with their colourful paint schemes and the planes featured on this decal sheet is a pleasure to behold.  I very much enjoyed seeing the 1st and third planes with their camo patterns that look like leave in the autumn.

Steve

I would like to thank Spada Decals for providing me with this review sample.

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford