The Little World

That is the question.

Whether ’tis nobler to suffer the agonies of masking tape and airbrush or to take scissors and water and end them.

I am in the position of Hamlet every time I look a the colour call-out of a kit. I have the decal sheet in one hand and my heart in the other. If the former has stencils and single panel lines the latter tends to arrhythmia.

It is not the nationality of the aircraft that bothers me – it is that of the decal printer. Modern sheets from Cartograf, Airfix, and some European printers are all that anyone could want. Even some of the oriental ones are fine, if you are prepared to wrestle.

Older examples from many of the same places are likely to test the soul as well as the vocabulary. You will become adept at practical topography as well as damage control. and you will definitely know the meaning of the word ” regret “.

I admire the builders of larger scales their ability to airbrush insignia and markings onto their models. I see marvellous plans for computer programs that will allow them to make sticky masks. Once these are on, it is just a few passes with the airbrush and they are done.

Like many other small builders I am restricted to what is printed – either by the kit makers, after-market presses, or my own inkjet efforts. The first two are good looking but may be restrictive. My own stumble with some colours and white lettering.

I mourn the loss of the dear old Letraset sheets.