6.1 ) Original Kit Decals

Decals are water-soluble or dry-transfer markings, they decorate the model with detailed insignia and artwork that would be difficult to replicate by painting. Most model kits include decal markings for multiple nationalities or combat units.

Water-soluble decals require markings be soaked in water to separate the item from its decal sheet. Dry-transfer decals require the modeler to rub the item onto the model surface via a instrument (ex. pencil, eraser tip, cotton swab).

Example 1a : 1.48th MONOGRAM US Army Air Force P-51D "Mustang". Markings include : 1) "Big Beautiful Doll" lettering and black-white checkerboard pattern of Colonel John Landers : 78th Fighter Group commander circa 1945, 2) Red Horse and Stripe green-yellow checkerboard pattern of 343rd Fighter Squadron / 55th Fighter Group circa 1944, 3) Miscellaneous plane markings for fuel ports, propeller, walkway, etc.

Example 1b : Combat painting depicting P-51D "Big Beautiful Doll" in action, strafing enemy locomotive traffic in western Europe during winter 1944-1945. Shows position of intended decals.

Example 2a : 1.48th MONOGRAM MIL Mi-24 attack helicopter and troop transport. Markings include four nationalities: 1) Soviet Union - Red Star, 2) Czechoslovakia - Tricolor, 3) Nicaragua (Sandinista) - Red & Black Octagon with Yellow Star, 4) Afghanistan (Communist) - Green-Red-Black concentric circles with Red Star.

Example 2b : Color profile of Soviet-built Nicaraguan Mi-24 attack helicopter circa mid-1980s, carries national / title and tail rotor warning markings. Shows position of intended decals.

Example 3 : Decal sheets exposed to the environment can be damaged, markings for US Navy F6F fighter partially discolored by excessive sunlight. Decals can still be salvaged.

Example 4 : Decal sheet for German Heinkel He-177 bomber shriveled due to prolonged storage in high humidity. Decals cannot be salvaged.

Variety of decal setting solutions on the market, including Microscale, Model Masters and Testors. Solution applied to model surface for water-soluble decals by removing excess oil from painted surface and increases decal bonding strength.

Special products for setting and restoring decals. Setting Solution design for irregular model surfaces by softening decal for contour wrapping. Liquid Film Solution painted directly onto a decal sheet, creates a bonding layer, prevents old water-soluble decals from flaking or breaking off during transfer.