Decals for German camo patterns

[johnbrewer]

Well folks it has happened, you can now get decals for all of those really difficult to paint German camo patterns . Seven in all, Oak leaf A and B spring and autumn, Plane tree Spring and Autumn and Dot pattern as well. All in 1/35th on a 172mm x 117mm sheets. Prices from £4.53 to £4.99 plus shipping. www.sinsengumi.jp or www.hlj.com. details came from Tamiya magazine.

 

[Jeff]

Why do I think this is going to be as much of a hot topic as the eye decals were a while back.

 

[AJLaFleche]

While Archer's eye decals look like doll eyes IRL, these decals could be godsends to WWII German figure builders. The examples shown look very good, thoughthe vertical streaks on the rain pattern look a bit overdone.

 

[SPrimeau]

I would like to see a figure done with these decals, my first impression of some pictures of these in the latest Tamiya Model Mag was dissapointing. The patterns look great but it just may be too difficult to conform these to all the curves and irregularities of a figure. I guess we will see-

Scott

 

[Charles Denomolos]

Hmmm. Yep, it just may turn out to be a heavily discussed topic. Having read the first few posts, I have come to realize that, since I am one of the few people who don't seem to be interested in WW2 German, the topic holds no more interest for me. Have a good Flag Day(US Readers), and a happy Father's day(All nations, for those of us who either are or have had a father(or known a father)

 

[mikec55]

Based on the little experience I've had with Andrea shield decals, won't the decal edges themselves be a bit of a distraction when the figure's done? From certain angles, those edges jump right out at you.

Mike

 

[KeithP]

Now if some one could only come up with a decal for those pesky Tartan patterns as well as face and flesh, I would not have to paint these annoying figures at all... :lol:

That is meant as a jest, btw.

Keith

 

[Pete Wenman]

Guys hi

Just to put my oar in here, but as a aircraft modeller, in addition to
figures, I know about decals.

Provided these are standard decals, there is no reason why, if they are
applied correctly, once applied the decals will look like the've been painted on. The aircraft guys can do it, so no reason why not here.

Gloss and matt varishes are the secret here

Pete

 

[D.Lesko]

Its all in how you apply the decal. You have to do it a certain way for the edge to disapear and it to look painted on. For the shield decal: the decal needs to be placed over a gloss coat. Use Microset decal solution by brushing a small amount on the area you want the decal to be, then place the decal and blot up the extra water and microset. Then brush on a small amount of Microsol and let the decal dry. Once dry apply a flat coat and the decal edge will be gone and it will look painted on. Hope this helps.

 

[arthur]

Gents,
The above mentioned techniques work well on aircraft, AFVs and shields.
Problem with these camo decals is that you will have to apply them in such a manner that no air pockets are left in the creases especially on the arms, around the waist (belt area) and around underarms.
No ammount of decal solution will soften it up to the point that applied it will look as painted on in the creases and folds.
Another issue is the fact that you will not be able to shade the figure properly because you are dealing with 2 totally different mediums, decal and paint.
IMHO a nice idea but not suitable for "show quality" figures in small scale, could possibly work on 1:16 and larger (if available).
See on the sample two light (silvering?) spots below the belt...
http://www.sinsengumi.jp/camodeca1/camodecasmpl01.htm

BTW I have tested this painting shortcut myself few years back, with similar pattern custom made decals,... and gave up after few trials

Cheers,
A.

 

[MrJody]

I'm sorry but these decals just don't make much sense to me. Even though I am not nearly as talented as many of the members here I still enjoy the painting. And although my oak tree pattern may not be perfect I enjoy the challenge of trying and can feel a sense of pride in what I've done when it's finished. Nope, just seems these decals take away from the hobby. Just my two cents worth.

Jody.

 

[garyjd]

Myself, I'm waiting for someone to come out with tartan decals.~Gary

 

[Roc]

Hey guys, forget the decals, it's more fun to paint them.

Cheers
Roc

 

[thegoodsgt]

These decal sheets come as no surprise. If you're an aircraft modeler you can buy pre-painted photoetched for cockpits.

 

[phc35]

Blasphemy, Burn the witch!!!!!

 

[Brent Fordham]

These decal sheets come as no surprise. If you're an aircraft modeler you can buy pre-painted photoetched for cockpits.

A company called Eduard came out with pre-painted photoetch for detailing aircraft model cockpits. When they first came out I didn't like them and thought that they detracted from the hobby. However, as they evolved, they began to replicate levels of detail in 1:48 scale (e.g. 1:48 scale data placards that had legible text - you'd need a magnifier to see it, mind you) that were simply impossible to achieve using any technique most modellers had at their disposal. I now see them as another trick in my toolbox. Another company produced Italian aircraft "smoke ring" camo as decals that look beautiful when applied properly.

Perhaps this isn't quite as applicable to figure modelling, but I think that this sort of product is capable of really adding to the hobby if they get it right.

 

[dinovision79]

Hi,

I don't think we have to crucify these guys, look for what improovment it can bring to the hobby. Maybe a US Digital camo would be a thing to consider seriously (or did anyone tackle that somehow? if you have seen any ready models, please let me know, I'm just curious).

Cheers
Denes

 

[dinovision79]

Garyjd,

in plane/afv model shops you can pick up clear and white decal sheets and you can print on them whatever you like, even on your on pc, an average printer can do petty nice results, so you can actually do your own tartans, or anything else.

Denes

 

[Mark Dollery]

THE DEATH OF THE CAMOFLAGUE PAINTER (I think not!)
A nice distraction for us as Figure painters & a welcome release for Armour guys who think they can't paint figures for their Diorama's etc. (looking at the talents behind some of the armour beats me!!!)
I have tried most types of decals on Motorcycles & armour, some work well, others you give up on when they break up into pieces & you reflect on how much time & expense they cost you.
so another developement in our hobby along with pre-painted photo etch, slide moulding plastic parts, new generation figures & figure painter with high expectations of Sculpters & casting manufacturers!
Me, I will stick to paint, (Acrylic, oils, enamels, oh,sh*" where do I start???)

Mark