Hobby Decal ROKAF KF-16 1/32 dry transfer review

Hobby Decal

ROKAF KF-16 Dry Transfer Stencils, Version 1

product # ST32027V1 (1/32)

Reviewed by Steve Bamford on Nov 15, 2005

This product is available from Design & Marketing Int'l

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This dry transfer sheet from Hobbydecal includes stencils and markings for the ROKAF KF-16 in 1/32 scale. 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 stencil data including NO STEP markings, ejection seat triangles, RESCUE arrows, and loads of other stencil data. There are even numerals 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.

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.

Click on images below to see larger image

Instruction Sheets

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. You can buy this and other Hobbydecal dry transfers from Design & Marketing Int'l

Steve

I would like to thank Design & Marketing Int'l for providing me with this review sample...visit their website for this and other decal products from Contact Resine, Redux and Montex.

Design & Marketing Int'l are the official exclusive importer and distributor in Canada, USA and Mexico for a large and ever growing selection of products from Contact Resine, Redux and Montex. Go to their website to buy this and other products from these and other brands of detail products.