Decals

[GordonD]

I used to enjoy applying decals.

When I started building models, back when the world was young, I never bothered painting them but I always looked forward to applying the decals. They made a colourful contrast to the grey plastic. Even now, when I do paint them, the decal stage usually means a model is nearing completion and they really bring it to life.

But I'm currently working on the Dragon Apollo 11 kit, and it's driving me up the wall. Dragon supply all the stencil markings for the spacecraft, and some of them are, well, tiny. Here's a picture of the decal sheet, greatly enlarged (note the 1p coin alongside).

Fortunately many of the markings have spares, in case one of the originals is lost or damaged. I'm currently three-quarters of the way through applying the Service Module decals and I've already had to use two of the backups. I'm taking this stage very slowly but another couple of days should see it through. Then I have to go through the same ordeal with the Command Module. I really can't understand why I'm subjecting myself to this - it's supposed to be a hobby! I'm supposed to enjoy building models!

Still, they do say you get more satisfaction out of an achievement if you've really had to struggle to get it. (They do talk a lot of drivel at times!)

But when I've finished building the Apollo I'm going to treat myself to a nice cheap kit with large colourful decals that I can apply without destroying my vision in the process!

Edited October 28, 2011 by GordonD

[pte1643]

Decalling's not my favourite part, I always have to do the stencilling first then the National insignia after, because if I done it the other way round the stencils would never get done.