Yes, the tape provides a temporary set of panel lines. I use a set of digital verniers to position the tape. I always import the plans into my CAD program (Turbocad) which allows me to obtain acurate measurements from specific reference points on the model.

I have two brands of clear and white decal paper. Years ago when I bought my first batch circa 2015, I ordered Papilio water slide decal paper. This was the brand which most modellers seemed to use.

I misplaced these and went to reorder some more in 2022, but it seems to be very scarce. Not sure why although I suspect they are not in business.

When I ordered my second batch I purchased ROLURIOUS products. I've only used the clear, but it seemed to work well. Prior to purchaseing, I looked at the review percentages (4 and 5 star) and number of reviews as guidance. This brand seemed to have great ratings with a large number of reviews.

Upon performing some recent searches, it seems the decal papers have a shelf life. But the Papilio paper worked fine on this model after 10 years since purchase.

Magnificent Crusader. It's an excellent addition to your flight line.

Louis

Thanks Lou!

Roll out Feb. 11, 2025.

Two coats of gloss varnish applied over decals for protection.

The F8's incorporated a gloss finish on all the white control surfaces and a matt finish for the grey areas.  The gloss varnish looked too stark so a coat of semi gloss varnish was applied to the white area. The grey areas received a partial matt finish (4 parts matt with 1 part semi gloss). All varnishes were acrylic as these do not yellow with age. This combination of finishes "Looks Right", even if it's not completely accurate.

A magnificent creation and a perfect representation of the USN Gunfighter.

Louis

That looks great! Well done!

Thanks for the positive feedback. I wasn't sure how it would turn out. Thought it may not be very colourful. But I am pleased with the results.

As previously mentioned, I was able to address the issues with the first fuselage, so will assemble a second model, but with different markings. All the components were previously fabricated, so all that is required is to assemble the model.

Now that it's assembled, will perform some tidy up and final sanding before starting the paint process. Will change my approach on the primer as I incurred issues with the BIN shellac primer peeling off from the wood on the trailing edge of the wings when I removed some masking tape.The Tamiya paints stuck to the BIN. I am certainly perplexed as to why the shellac primer did not stick to the wood. Maybe I sprayed it when the weather was too cold. I don't like spraying shellac indoors due to the odours.

Terrific result Ken!

Gordon

Fuselage sanded, undercarriage and control surfaces painted white. Decided to go with a red checkered rudder. A thin coat of varnish was placed over top of the white to provide colour separation in case some touch up was required. Didn't want any red to mix with the white and create pink.

Rudder mask was measured and cut using my Silhouette crafting cutter. Once the mask was in place, alternate checker sections were removed for airbrushing.Red paint was airbrushed onto rudder. Just a couple of minor paint brush touch ups required with no resulting pink colouration.

Was worried about the red seeping under the masking so went with the FBS Gold Mask product which has great adhesion without leaving any residue behind. Also used a silicone clay modelling tool to burnish the  masking sections to ensure they were pressed hard against the surface.

Had some issues with masking tape peeling the white on the wing underside on the first model. Decided to try Washi tape as the protective tape instead of my other masking tapes. Really impressed with the low tack and lack of residue! I'll still use my other tapes when masking for crisp edges. But for simple masking Washi tape is now in my suite of tapes.

Great results, Ken!

Beautiful.

Louis

Base colours painted followed by a gloss clear coat to separate the next set of detail colours and to provide an appropriate smooth finish for decal application.

Magnificent finish.

Louis

That looks fantastic!

Nice cam on that A7 Corsair.

Louis