Friends, I’m at a bit of a cross roads with this build.
I’ve applied the clear gloss coat on the hull and am now thinking about adding hull numbers and draught markings. I’ve been considering utilizing Starling Models decals for this.
Questionably though, Starling’s decal sheet for hull numbers only provides 2 of each, meaning I would have to buy two decal sheets to make up the 3 hull numbers required-Tribals had hull numbers on the stern as well as each side.
After pricing this out plus postage and handling, (GBP29) I’m left wondering how to justify the cost for 3 hull numbers and draught markings with copious amounts of unused decals leftover that I’ll never use, on a kit that’s sub par to start with…
I’ve other kits in the stash with no such fiscal drains on the wallet (ships and wing-things) and I’m wondering, should I push the go button on this one, or drift off target and build something else for the time being…
Throw me a line folks-what are your thoughts on this?
Hi there matey … hopefully this can be kept on track … Have you considered decal paper and printing your own? May take a bit of trial and error but I am sure the correct font size is out there and easy to do. I just did exactly that for my LONG VEHICLE decals for a Scammell Commander I am doing for a build. Or …
Getting someone in UK to get the decals and repost them onto you if it works out a bit cheaper … or … asking in the "Looking for or Trade/Sell/ Section " on Kitmaker and seeing anyone has any they do not require anymore ??
Tricky question, I was a bit dissapointed in only two set of each on the Starling sheet, the smaller set of numbers on the sheet could be a bit small for the stern of a tribal, with all the work you have put in to correct that beast of a kit, I would put it on the back burner, there should be a simple solution out there that does not cause fiscal issues, I can’t think of one right now, If I do I will let you know, other shipmates may come up with something.
Yer, it’s not easy to work around this one… The AM I’ve already bought for this kit way back when, plus the kit itself, plus a few other bits and bobs I’ve yet to get and I reckon I could have bought the Atlantic resin kit a couple of times over
Well, so far I’ve looked into printing my own, but it’s something I don’t think I’ll master as I’ve not got easy access to a laser printer… Maybe I just need to bite the bullet and shut my eyes when I hit the “purchase” button on the decals from Starling
Hi Russ long time away from MSW been busy with a new project and hospital/health issues.
For the decals have you some other maybe aircraft decals that you could make up from just my thoughts to save on all the shipping costs.
Not a bad idea from Beefy, always worth a rummage in the decal pile. possibly a daft idea, I am assuming the pennant numbers would be black, A possibly daft thought use a set in a different coloured pennant numbers, transfer on to masking tape, cut round them and make your own masks.Tricky I will admit, maybe worth a try.
You know guys, I’ve scrounged in the spares box, found some great things to add to the build: Pom Pom directors; cable reels; water tight doors, but alas no decals… I think I’m gonna have to shell out the 30GBP for the Starling sets…
I would have thought a sheet of printable decal sheet (inkjet or laser, depending on what is available: the one thing I miss about work was our office laserjet…), a simple drawing package and the right fonts would be the way to go. Just remember to do a test run on ordinary copier paper you can take away and measure up before committing to the decal film.
sorry for way too long silence…real lief is not supporting the hobby…
Great work, the hull lines look really sharp!
I don’t have any smart recommendations for the decals…well, maybe it’s just biting the bullet…
In the end it came down to time v money… The idea of printing my own decals is great, but I don’t have good access to a printer and having to back and forth it to a print shop or someone with a decent printer, well, it was just easier/cheaper to order the decals from Starling…
