I've managed to do some work on the paint colours on the upper wings, all six hours of it! Although probably not an accurate match, they look a lot better, and I added a little bit of tonal difference on some of the panels, and highlighted the control surfaces slightly, plus some light weathering.
After a couple of coats of Klear/Future, I was able to start on some of the decalling.
I began with the dreaded spinner spiral, and this should have been a warning for what was to come!
The indicated spiral for this decal choice seemed a bit long to me, as only the front section of the spinner on 'Black 12' has this marking. I wasn't particularly concerned, thinking that, if it overlapped to the full depth of the spinner, it could always be overpainted. The decal slipped into place quite easily, although it didn't want to remain centralised on the spinner tip, and I was just gently moving it into position, when it dissolved into four separate pieces!
No problem, thought I, the shorter one for one of the other options might do the trick. So, on with decal, off with three separate parts this time!
B*****s thought I, put it to one side and hand paint the b****y thing later!
Anyway, I got the wing crosses on first, and they settled down nicely with the help of Micro Sol, as did the fuselage crosses, although one of these started to curl and fold, but behaved itself after a few stern words and some gentle manipulation with the help of Micro Sol again. It ended up about 2mm further forward than I would have liked, but there was no way I was going to risk moving it! Hopefully, it won't be that noticeable.
The swastikas came next and, just like the spinner spirals, one of these dissolved into three pieces! No, I didn't shout at all.....I b****y well screamed! Good job I had a Microscale sheet with one that would do the job!
Then it was the turn of the 'Black 12' number decals. The one for the port side went on, and was about 2mm further forward than required, due to the Balkencreuz. The '12' for the starboard side behaved in a similar fashion, but this one decided to lose its head, literally. The tip of the figure '1' dissolved and broke away, so that means I'll have to hand-paint this part too, with a 5/0 brush!
At this point, I thought enough is enough, and stopped.
I'm guessing that this could be an old kit, even though it ws new stock at the shop, and that the decals have been affected with age. As the kit design dates back to 1995, I suppose it is possible that it could be that old, but it's a bit much, don't you know!
Anyway, I'm cool! (well, nearly!)
I'll get it done eventually, but for now, to save my sanity, and the site of a FW190D flying across the room, I've been getting on with other tasks, such as masking and painting the canopy, and painting the tyres etc.
It's one of 'those' builds this one. First it was the paint, now it's the decals. What else? Or is that tempting fate?
Anyway, here's a few pics to illustrate the progress(?) to date, including one of that damaged number 12.
You might not see anymore posts for awhile, as I'll probably still be trying to paint that b****y spinner spiral!!