In search for decals of Guy Gibson's Mosquito in 1/72 (ADS decals 12-072)

Started by John vd Biggelaar · 5 · 6 months ago
  • Profile Photo
    John vd Biggelaar said 6 months, 1 week ago:

    Hi all,

    After having visited the memorial location of Guy Gibson, the leader of the Dam Busters, I wanted to build the aircraft he flew last, a Mosquito. While flying his Mosquito, AZ-E KB267, he was shot by friendly fire near Steenbergen on September 19th, 1944. He tried an emergency landing but Guy and his navigator Jim Warwick were killed during the crash.
    For this build I do already have the Tamiya 1/72 kit.


    To build it as Guy's aircraft, ADS decals has sheet 12-072 which has the markings and aircraft number of this Mosquito.

    Unfortunately I'm not able to find it anywhere on the internet.
    So my question is if any of you have an idea where I can get those decals or are willing to help me in creating the markings and aircraft number. All help is appreciated a lot.

    Thanks a lot,
    John

  • Profile Photo
    Spiros Pendedekas said 6 months, 1 week ago:

    Pity the sheet is OOP, my friend @johnb. Perhaps a fellow can print them? At least, the decals needed are somewhat "generic", so, if nothing comes to fruition, matching spare decals might do. Will have a look at my decal dungeon.

  • Profile Photo
    John vd Biggelaar said 6 months, 1 week ago:

    @fiveten, thanks, Spiros. Printing would be a nice alternative if I cannot find the decal sheet. I do own a laser printer but I'm not sure if that can be used for decal printing. Otherwise, like you said, a sheet with generic decals might help.

  • Profile Photo
    Carl Smoot said 6 months, 1 week ago:

    John (@johnb), decals can be printed in a laser and in fact will be superior to those printed on an inkjet. The important thing to remember is that there are two types of decal sheets, one for laser printers and one for inkjet printers. Additionally, you have to consider how you are going to handle lighter colors. They can be somewhat translucent sometimes. Decal sheets come in clear and white backgrounds.

    When you need a white area or need to improve the look of a color (for example yellow or red), you can either mask and spray the area directly underneath with white or create an exact size version on the white decal paper and lay it down first (it needs to dry before you put the second one on top). Obviously, clear sheets are for decals that need a clear backing.

    Decal sheets are a single sheet when printed so you will have to cut out the decal. I would recommend a sharp set of decal scissors or a brand new X-acto blade.

    Also critical, especially with inkjet decals, but I believe laser as well, and that is to get a spray decal clear film and spray the sheet before using the decals.Otherwise the ink will run when you wet the decals to apply them. With self printed decals, you open up a lot of possibilities, but it is best to test these first before applying to your model. And I would also suggest test printing on regular paper to make sure you have the sizes correct.

  • Profile Photo
    John vd Biggelaar said 6 months, 1 week ago:

    @clipper, thanks for all the information, Carl.
    Definitely an opportunity if I'm not able to find the original decals.