A decal dilemma
This kit is no spring chicken and the same can be said for the decals. The coloured BA flag insignia seem ok with good colour saturation and register, just a little yellowing around the carrier film on the edges which should come away with a gentle wash.
Using a decal fixing solution ensures adhesion, I prefer Microscale Industries MKK Sol which is a little aggressive to the decal at first, but will come smooth when dry.
However, there is quite obvious yellowing of the transparent areas of the stencilling which is going to be pretty noticeable against the gloss white surfaces, this is no real surprise given their age.
Some of this can be hidden with trimming and some with weathering, but the highly visible airline lettering, door surrounds, wing walkway markings and roof escape hatches need an altogether different approach.
One old trick for this, is place the sheet in bright sunlight for a couple days. If the yellowing isn’t too bad, the UV light will clarify the backing glue.
Wet and remove from the backing paper and allow the decal to float in the dish.
Wash the wet backing paper with a brush until the old yellow glue is removed, then place the soaking decal face down back on the cleaned paper. The rear of the decal can now be washed in a similar manner.
If the yellowing is still present, then a little more aggressive method of cleaning is to apply a little Zippo or Ronson Lighter Fluid on a Q-tip, but be really gentle and wash thoroughly afterwards in water.
Once clean, float the decal off the paper again and reverse right way up and place it back on a new clean piece of decal paper. Allow this to dry out fully, trim around the carrier film then reapply in the usual manner, again using DecalFix or MKK Solution to ensure adhesion.
As the majority of stencilling is on the underside, we start there, from the nose and working back towards the engines.
Once the stencils are dry and the surfaces cleaned with an alcohol swab, a final sealing coat of gloss is applied, then the leading edge and intake ramp areas can be matted back, being careful not to overspray onto the gloss finish.
I found some stencils reacted a little with the gloss coat, but this is liveable.
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Mick” – That’s an epic build of a very-challenging kit but your results speak for themselves in those photos.
I’ve seen this kit (unmade) and saw how daunting a prospect it is to build.
You’ve made a fantastic job of it and she’s a magnificent tribute to the legendary ‘Concorde’. Superb modelling.🏆
Best Regards,
Paul.😉👍