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Builds F-16CJ 1/32 Viper

PFGEN

PFGEN

GCM
Gravelbelly said:
Apologies if this is incredibly obvious, or teaching you to suck eggs... and I only say this because it looks like it's the underside of the decal that is reflecting...

...but did you put a gloss varnish under where the decal was going, so that it's a perfect contact underneath, then apply the decal, and then put the matt varnish on top?
Click to expand...
I think you nailed it right there. Bugger, should have thought about that. Exactly that, gloss underneath, the decal, followed by lashings of decal fix and then an overall matt varnish for a finish. New approach, sod the gloss and go for a matt varnish top and bottom and use the decal fix to get good adhesion.

I now feel like stripping some of them and starting again. Not really in the mood for that as it will take a fair bit of work, don't see many alternatives. I can try smearing them with a film or something or other but it won't change the physics of the layer underneath. Maybe try some experiments first, it can't get any worse.
 
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PFGEN

PFGEN

GCM
Gravelbelly said:
Apologies if this is incredibly obvious, or teaching you to suck eggs... and I only say this because it looks like it's the underside of the decal that is reflecting...

...but did you put a gloss varnish under where the decal was going, so that it's a perfect contact underneath, then apply the decal, and then put the matt varnish on top?
Click to expand...
Decal stripped and indeed a large shiny arrse patch of gloss underneath. Bit of work to flatten it, now I need to make some new decals to finish the repair. I'm glad I found this out now. and not when working on the likes of the tail.
 
PFGEN

PFGEN

GCM
The decal saga continues.... After the last shiny arrse examples I stripped them back and went for a matt finish prior to applying the decals. I know its supposed to be gloss but hey I needed to try something. Still shiny. Managed to scrounge some original Tamiya decals but they were worse. Then followed with some more aftermarket and then my own variation. I've now lost count of how many I've been through. All decals put on with lashings of MicroSol and MicroSet solutions. Eventually went for one solution and finished it with a matt coating to cover that. Still not happy and wonder just how bad the large vertical fin decals are going to be.

IMG_035924.jpeg


For the frame that I'm building the ECM pod, the AN/ALQ should be the 131 deep dish version rather than the 184. I bought an aftermarket version which is a bit of a bad joke. I haven't found anybody who supplies the short pylon for it. I also suspect the dimensions of the aftermarket ECM pod as the positions for the sway arms look like they are in the wrong place. Looks like I'll just have to load up the long pod.
 
BuckFelize

BuckFelize

LE
The amount of time, effort and geld that gets lavished on these glorified 'toys' - just so the cat/missus/pissed-up mate can trash the bloody end product? NEVER again.
 
daz

daz

LE
BuckFelize said:
The amount of time, effort and geld that gets lavished on these glorified 'toys' - just so the cat/missus/pissed-up mate can trash the bloody end product? NEVER again.
Click to expand...
I can do that without the listed help .................and that's just during the build :)
 
daz

daz

LE
PFGEN said:
The decal saga continues.... After the last shiny arrse examples I stripped them back and went for a matt finish prior to applying the decals. I know its supposed to be gloss but hey I needed to try something. Still shiny. Managed to scrounge some original Tamiya decals but they were worse. Then followed with some more aftermarket and then my own variation. I've now lost count of how many I've been through. All decals put on with lashings of MicroSol and MicroSet solutions. Eventually went for one solution and finished it with a matt coating to cover that. Still not happy and wonder just how bad the large vertical fin decals are going to be.

View attachment 489521

For the frame that I'm building the ECM pod, the AN/ALQ should be the 131 deep dish version rather than the 184. I bought an aftermarket version which is a bit of a bad joke. I haven't found anybody who supplies the short pylon for it. I also suspect the dimensions of the aftermarket ECM pod as the positions for the sway arms look like they are in the wrong place. Looks like I'll just have to load up the long pod.
Click to expand...
Could one of the long pod pylons be modded?
 
Simmerit

Simmerit

LE
PFGEN said:
Finally finished the missile load and 370 gallon tanks. After trying an enamel panel liner and oils I went back to a simple wash and an available digit to rub it in. I'm happy with the results.

View attachment 481782


View attachment 481783

What I'm not so happy about is the reflection from the decal paper. I've tried a few different types and this was the best of the rest. Even after matt varnish it's still visible. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
could be the decal solution. I’ve just switched to Mig decal fix and it’s deffo better
 
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PFGEN

PFGEN

GCM
daz said:
Could one of the long pod pylons be modded?
Click to expand...
I had a go at that but its tricky finding a photo to compare. The deep pan ECM pod is also carried by the A-10 but on an underwing pylon so that wasn't much use. Of all the pictures I have from servicing in the hanger I have no pictures of the centreline, #5 pylon. I had a stab at it using some schematics that I had but once I'd put some shape in it just didn't look right.
 
Simmerit

Simmerit

LE
PFGEN said:
Finally finished the missile load and 370 gallon tanks. After trying an enamel panel liner and oils I went back to a simple wash and an available digit to rub it in. I'm happy with the results.

View attachment 481782

View attachment 481783

What I'm not so happy about is the reflection from the decal paper. I've tried a few different types and this was the best of the rest. Even after matt varnish it's still visible. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
I've just had a good look at these. You are right - its really shiny. Did you try the Mig stuff yet?
 
SPROCKET321

SPROCKET321

LE
BuckFelize said:
The amount of time, effort and geld that gets lavished on these glorified 'toys' - just so the cat/missus/pissed-up mate can trash the bloody end product? NEVER again.
Click to expand...
encapsulate the model at risk in glass, that way said pissed up twit who wrecks it will never forget the model that you made that took seconds to destroy, and the hours waiting in Casualty with the bandaged wrist with free sample of glass. Models that will never be forgotten.
 
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