Fokker Dr.I streaked camouflage.

Martin_S · 3 May 2009, 01:11 PM

Very helpful "how to do it". Thanks for posting.

alan giles · 4 May 2009, 10:37 AM

Mr.Lawson,you're a genius. BTW,if nobody's guessed,it's Roden's 1/32.

StephenLawson · 4 May 2009, 12:03 PM

The good news continues. Microsculpt is about to release their sheets (And some highly anticipated decals are on their horizon as well.)

MicroSculpt · 4 May 2009, 01:26 PM

Greetings, everyone!

The new 1/48 Fokker Streaked Camouflage decals are finally in hand and will be available for sale at MicroSculpt.com: Online shop for scale model decals, figures and upgrades. soon. I will be sending Stephen a sample to test out here on the forum.

Sreiko:

No need to apologize. I actually agree with you that each aircraft has a unique pattern. However, please do not underestimate the usefulness of these decals before you see/try them.

These decals have been design to provide an authentic finish that is quick and easy to create. The entire concept of these decals is very different from than that of Gunsight Graphics.

To achieve a realistic representation of the camouflage method we employed a combination of printing technologies. First, the base color of unbleached linen was applied by silk screen. Then the streaks were digitally printed over top. And finally a clear varnish was applied. The result is a decal with the best qualities of both technologies.

Unlike paint effects that can be difficult to control for the novice, this method is both quick and easy. And it provides dependable results every time! Simply choose the area of the decal that has the desired streaking pattern and apply it to your model. A detailed description of applying the decals will soon be found on the website.

The inclusion of the plain unbleached fabric pieces adds continuity to the model, with the same base color being used for the cockpit interior and lower cross fields.

Since the base color is silk-screened, these decals are opaque and can be used to mask other colors. This is useful for areas such as cross fields, and “returned” edges on the lower fuselage and stabilizer. The decals act as a mask for the cockpit area make painting this area a snap, with no need for masking the wood side panels for painting. Simple apply your wood effect and then add the decals for a sharp, clean edge.

While a very pleasing effect can be created simple by using these decals, you can take them to the “next level” with a few additional brush strokes. The streaked affect can be intensified with the application of transparent strokes of color in the areas you wish. Transparent glazes can also be effective in shifting the streaking color closer to that used for your metal areas. Consider the decal an under-painting over which you will put your finishing strokes.

Repetition can be avoided by mixing and matching. As an example, rather than laying an entire continuous strip of decal on the main wing, use three individual pieces (2 tips and center section). On the next kit, switch the tips and rotate the center section to create a totally different pattern. Next time, pick from a different part of the sheet, etc.

That's it for now. I'll be putting the samples in the mail tomorrow. Hopefully Stephen will have them later this week.

Cheers!

Tom

Sreiko · 4 May 2009, 02:02 PM

All right Tom

Can you email me images of this decal with your detailed description and I would also like to promote it from my side?

Cheers,

Srecko

berman · 4 May 2009, 02:35 PM

Did the streaking always show through overpainting performed by jastas and individual pilots? Which colors were more prone to lack covering power?

trackpad · 4 May 2009, 03:56 PM

Aye, chihuahua, and I have two DML triplanes still in the loft. These decals are coming out at just the right time: Daddy's Day is just around the corner! Bring 'em on, Tom, you've already made a sale!