Well, I have now totally hit the wall. I tried the clear gloss coat method on the decal sheet (couldn't get any liquid decal film). I left approx' 8 hrs between the two coats and allowed 24 hrs to dry. Used warm (not hot) water after cutting out each decal individually. Thought I'd try a small cowling decal first. Worked perfectly?. Then I watched in a state of both amazement and total rage as it literally "cracked up" on the model while it dried!



After calming myself down, tried one of the German insignia on the starboard fuselage. Before I could apply the decal it broke while soaking!



Not to be outdone, I then attempted a "bit by bit" application. "IMPOSSIBLE"! Now I am getting just a little P%#$@@!D off! They look a bit too big as well? (scale?)



THAT'S IT! I've had enough. My Messerschmitt is being destroyed by a simple modeling task that in the past, was never a problem for me. It used to be the stage I looked forward to most! It's now becoming the most feared! I have to admit now, those Trumpeter model kits are looking all the more inviting! Here are the remains of that fuselage insignia. Thank god I got it off without destroying the underlying paint! Don't know now if I will ever finish the 109 now, have to find some replacement decals? Maybe a bottle of whiskey will help.



Andrew

...Sorry to hear of Your problems,I had Decal Problems(very thin film,decals kept disapearing into a ball!) with My Concorde,and shattering with one of My Tamiya 1/6 bikes a while back.
I Too found decaling a pleasure until these two incidents,but is something I face with a bit of fear now.
All I can suggest is to try to get some after market decals,and try again.
I know It's not easy when You should be on the home stretch,but after the time spent on the '109,and the progress You've made with expanding Your skills, It would be a shame to abandon the project.
Chin Up,
Cheers, Pete

I am not going to abandon the 109. Your comments are all right on the money. I think earlier my temper and nerves got the better of me? I have just been to my local hobby shop and bought some "EXPERTS CHOICE" white and clear decal film sheets for reproducing your own decals! The chances of me finding a set of these particular decals would be a long shot I think. Also got some Testor's Decal Bonder in spray-pack for strengthening the decals surface. It will be interesting to see how this works with the home Ink Jet printer. I have an excellent Graphics program on my PC so hopefully it will save the day. I don't think I will have any problems with the graphic artwork, just some concerns with the actual printed quality of the subjects, ie: colours and registration. I might even post the results!

CHEERS and thanks for all your help.

Andrew

....So far this year I have managed to get Three sets of replacement decals from them.They're after care service is top rate and you may be pleasantly surprised.
Still,I understand your frustration.Nice build otherwise....
Good luck,
Woz

Yes I have sent them two e-mails, one of which contains the pics in my post. I have e-mailed them in the past and they were very helpful. Although, it wasn't about decals failing, just a general inquiry. I'm a little concerned that the kit was quite old and therefore no decals will be available. Bit worried now about two other kits in 1/24 scale that I've ordered, what will those decals be like?

Thanks for your response, CHEERS!

Andrew

I was going to suggest trying to print Your own,I've had a go on a P51 I finished for a friend and they come out alright(Expert's choice Paper by Bare metal Foil company,then sprayed a coat or two of Micro Decal Film to seal.
I Got some replacement Decals from Airfix for My Concorde,Just took a while to Arrive,but otherwise they were OK.
Good Luck!
Keep Sticking! Cheers, Pete

.... I have a bottle of liquid decal film and I would be glad to give it to you if it is of any help. Just drop me a mail if you're interested! I also found this sheet in a dutch hobby shop: ES24004, which is an Eagle Strike 1:24 sheet. it is for G4's, but I think that with some creativity you could use them for your ME. I can purchase that sheet if you like (it was the last one available, so I hope it won't be gone by the time you answer, and send it over...

Cheers, Jeroen

but it may not be necessary as I think I've found some replacement decals here @ Hyperscale, thanks to Tuck! CHEERS!

Andrew

... a real gentleman. All the best with that great build Andrew, I'm sure she will turn out a beaut! Cheers, Jeroen

...that you can have.

Luft '46: "When you absolutely, positively want to annoy the hell out of a rivet counter."

Those decals you have ( both sheets ) could be the salvation of my Bf 109. If, and ONLY if, you have no use for them, I would be grateful for the help! I have e-mailed Airfix twice but have had no reply as yet, although I am being a little impatient. If you could e-mail me or reply via HS, maybe my problem can be solved afterall. THANK YOU so much!!!! CHEERS!

Andrew

Your pictures illustrate the problem very well - I would also feel very sad and I hope you can find a way out of this, there are some good suggestions in these replies (I'm a fan of liquid decal film)

But don't give up - you're almost there Malcolm, and when you have solved this problem, you have gained another valuable experience, so if this happens with the Stuka, well, you are better prepared

* *
William De Coster / Belgium

Current Airfix GB projects :
1/72 Ilyushin IL-28
- Part I - Part II - Part III - Part IV - Part V - Part VI - Part VII - Part VIII
1/72 Focke Wulf Fw-190F-8
- Part I

Looks as though Tuck may have saved the day!! (see posts)
Thanks for the kind words, everybody is so helpful here, makes these frustrating, testing moments easier to deal with! CHEERS!

Andrew

Your learning curve is about straight up...
Take up Tuck on his offer, it doesn't get better than that. I would also inform Airfix just as a heads-up but those after market decals sound like the best bet.
This is a minor stumble. If this was an easy hobby, anyone could do it.
This build will be worth it when your finished, you'll see...
Allan

Fathers Day A6M2: Intro Part 1

Airfix Stuka 1/72: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

Airfix Hurricane 1/72: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Finish

Airfix Orion III: Build Tutorial Finish

It has made it a little more challenging, it's just annoying that right as you come to the finish line, something out of your control keeps moving it further away!
I have sent a couple of e-mails with pics to Airfix, but they need time to reply. They have helped me in the past and I still love the 1/24 kits they have in their list! I suppose if the hobby was too simple, it would just be boring? Thanks for all your help and encouragement Alan, CHEERS!

Andrew

If you haven't used setting solution on them, gently peel them off and get an aftermarket set... or if you have them raid the spares box....

What scale is the model?

Besides, Trumpeter's kits are forever, and entirely...entirely!.... too expensive, and are nothing like perfect either...

.....you've apparently (from the photos) done a beautiful finish job on the model, if the paints are enamels, they'll take a good soaking in warm water to get them off, if not, then try some scotch transparent tape (the frosted kind) directly on the decal... if that doesn't work try masking tape... avoid the painted areas as much as possible.

Sure it's a lot of work, but treat it like it's getting personal...

With me, I'd be determined, even if it turns out less than perfect, to beat the wretched thing.

be the work of SATAN!

I think some kits must be..... have had them myself....

But then again, the kit itself, apart from the decals has been great. If it was satan, he only did half his job and I'm still determined to beat him! CHEERS!

Andrew