I'm building a Frog Blackburn Shark in 72nd and would like to get some white FAA numbers for the fuselage band. Come to think of it, probably need the black ones for the upper wing undersides as well. Subject is Shark I, K4358/657 of 820 Squadron, HMS Courageous, 1936.

I've got the Modeldecal set (104) for pre-war 6, 8, 20 inch black serial numbers/letters; so I can do the serial. But that white 657 is a real tough one.

Any recommendations would be great. My last resort is to print them, so even a computer font would work.

TIA,
Tim

Would be interested in the answer to this also, some of the numbers have a distinctive shape

The use of "Font" in the sense it is used in computers is rather misleading. Lettering on machines of the period was commonly done by hand; sometimes to some sort of official stadard, but sometimes there were some interesting local varaitions (up to and including complete avoidance of the stadard altogether)

There was no single style used; there are squared off numbers and letters sometimes with serifs, but more usually without, and some that bear a strong resemblance to the rounded post-war styles. There are were some RAF fonts available as freeware, but these may not be quite right either as I think they were inteded to reprsent WW2-style codes (A google search for RAF Font is worth a try)

In case these aren't suitable you are probaly going to have to draw the letters and numbers by hand; I have some shapes available in .dxf format but you will need to iport them into whatever program you intend to use for graphics

Aidrian,
Thanks. This is what I'm trying to replicate:


I googled RAF Fonts and everything was not of this type. I also tried Fleet Air Arm fonts and got nothing.

Your post gives me the idea to create my own, from this particular scan. I have inkscape which I've used for my decals before. My printer just doesn't print white. What I may have to do is print black ink on white decal film, then trim numbers out without coating with decal fixer. That would leave a white background shaped like the numbers. OR...find someone who can custom print white decals.

Tim

Tim & Simon,

We can do you paint masks for these code/serial numbers. Drop us a line at custom@adastramasks.com if you are interested.

Regards,

Ian

Ian,

PM sent.

Tim

The Ad Astra mask worked great. I've yet to try the serial numbers, but if as easy as the side number, I'm looking forward to it. Due to the raised detail on the model some white bled underneath, but nothing a quick touch from a brush didn't fix.



Full WIP over at Shark WIP

Thanks again, Ian, for the quick turn on the masks.

Regards,
Tim