I got started today by applying the decals to my newly repainted vertical tail. Yesterday I stripped and repainted the tail with paint that was a lighter shade of gray. Hopefully the gray decals will be visible on this lighter color. Thanks to my previous experience with these decals, I knew that I needed to be very careful to keep them from folding over on themselves. I started with the large weasel that covered most of the tail. I carefully cut along the portion of the decal that would line up with the side of the tail so that I wouldn't have to deal with decal film hanging off the edge of the kit part. It went on perfectly. All of the rest of the decals are individual pieces, including the years and wording across the bottom. You have to be careful to get everything lined up, but they all went on perfectly. When everything was done, I used a little Solvaset to snug the decals down. I always let the decals dry for 24 hours before I do anything with the part, so tomorrow I hope to add the tail and finish the rest of the plane. After that, all that will be left will be to add the final layer of clear flat and attach all of the tanks, pods, and weapons. A lot of hurry up and wait, but getting close.

5 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Great decaling, my friend @gblair!

George R Blair Jr (@gblair)
It has been a while since I have checked in on your build journal. As I expected, you are making some great progress. I am sorry I missed your birthday, and I'll send you a text about it.

As I was reading your adventures with the gray paint being the almost identical color of the decals, you had me worried. But you pulled it off, and it's looking great. Yes your kit is almost identical to mine, only smaller in size. These Tamiya F-16's are a nice building model. I hope to get some paint on my Thunderbirds jet soon.

Those printed weapons look outstanding as well. A PR Spitfire would be a nice change of pace too. My favorites are the ones that are painted in overall PRU Blue, but I have read that some were an odd shade of pink.

Keep it going my friend... you are almost there.

This Viper is coming along nicely! Extravagant tail markings - look great! I'm trying my best to avoid being pulled down the 3D printing trail, but all that stuff you printed for this project looks really great!

I was taking care of a sick granddaughter today, but I had time to spray the plane with some clear flat. All that is left is to add the tanks, pods, and missiles. Hopefully tomorrow. :o)

1 attached image. Click to enlarge.

Final coat looks nice on, my friend @gblair!
Hope your granddaughter is better.

Even though you had to take of your granddaughter, you made some nice progress, George @gblair
Glad she recovered already.