Hobby Decal

1/72 A-10 Dry Transfer Stencils1, Version 1 dry transfers

Product # ST72021V1

Product Article by Steve Filak on Oct 23, 2012

 

 

This dry transfer sheet from Hobbydecal includes stencils and markings for the A-10 Warthog, and is available in all three of the most popular scales: 1/32, 1/48. and 1/72.  Many of the markings on modern aircraft (inlcuding the stencil data) are painted on using stencils and masks, and dry transfers replicate these markings very well.

Dry transfers are reverse printed on a temporary clear film.  When you apply the stencils you lay the back of the stencils on the painted surface of the model and then burnish (rub) them down through the clear temporary carrier film.  The dry transfer adheres to the model's surface and disengages from the clear carrier film.  The beauty of dry transfers is particularly apparent on models with bare metal finishes.  The clear carrier film normally associated with waterslide decals simply isn't there, and all that you're left with is the marking itself.  It also eliminates silvering, and no setting solutions are required in most cases.  If the markings need a little help settiling into deep recesses, Hobbydecal recommends burnishing the transferred marking down with a moist Q-Tip.

While this represents a departure from the application of waterslide decals, they really are easy to use once you get the hang of it.  They also tend to speed up the finishing time on your model. Once you get used to using fry transfers, you'll find that in many cases, they'll go on quicker than waterslides.  Just remember to completely burnish the markings before lifting the sheet.

Remember, the one downside to applying dry transfers is this:  once they're on the surface of the model, there's no moving them around - they're permanent.  Be sure to place the markings carefully before burnishing.  Sometimes it's best to cut the transfers out and tape them down to ensure exact placement.

The dry transfers are very clearly printed and will replicate the actual stencils on the  perfectly.  This particular sheet contains all pertinent A-10 stencil data including NO STEP markings, ejection seat triangles in two colors, UARRSI refueling aligner, RESCUE arrows, and loads of other stencil data.  There are even numerals to be used to apply the nose numbers, and national insignia are also supplied.

It's difficult to see in the scan of the entire sheet just how clearly the markings are printed.  But rest assured....these are very clearly printed and you will be impressed.  

 

Click on images below to see larger images

To apply the dry transfers you need a rounded tool to rub the clear carrier film to burnish the dry transfer top the painted surface of the model.  Below is the burnishing tool available from Hobbydecal.  You can also use a soft lead pencil to burnish the markings down.  I like using the pencil because it shows me exactly where I've burnished the transfer, and what remains to be burnished before lifting the sheet.  However, the burnishing tool is very effective, and has the advantage of being small and lightweight, allowing you to apply transfers even in tight spaces.

The instruction sheet provides clear directions as to the placement of the markings.  The instruction sheet is printed as one sheet, back-to-back, and provides placement data for the sides of the aircraft on one side, and top/bottom on the reverse side.  

In addition, the cardboard insert contains generic instructions on applying dry transfers The carboard insert not only protects the sheet during shipping, but the directions on application are very informative as well.  Follow them to the letter the first few times until you get the hang of applying dry transfers, and you'll pick up the technique very quickly.  The Hobbydecal website has instruction on applying transfers as well. 

If you want maximum realism, then try these dry transfers - I guarantee that you will be impressed.  Hobbydecal has a variety of dry transfers for a large variety of aircraft ranging from WWII to modern aircraft.  Check out their website to view their complete line. 

I would like to thank Hobbydecal for providing me with this review sample, and I look forward to using them on my future A-10 projects.

Steve Filak

      

Photos and text © by Steve Filak