Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC

[RAGIII]

I have looked for your Dolphin; have you posted pictures of it here?

Here is a link to the completed Model. There is a link to My build log there 

https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=9779.msg178437#msg178437


RAGIII

[nbrangers]

Thanks for the link. Very impressive build and finish. I liked the Pheon decals, but it's too bad they didn't include roundels. That would have made life much easier.

[Dave Brewer]

Don't know how I missed this,wonderful result Rick,I think I might to my Dolphin and Snipe as a blue-nosed pair after seeing how attractive it looks.
Cheers,
Dave.

[Alexis]

Wow , you are making quick work with this kit . Beautiful paint work and weathering , nice clean build 



Terri

[nbrangers]

Thanks Terri. Had it not been for the decal troubles, it would probably be finished by now. As it is, I am waiting for replacement decals from WNW, as the roundels on the upper wings and ailerons cracked and split and had to be removed. The decals also do not stay in place well when dry. Several smaller ones have come off after having dried when I handled the model while wearing rubber gloves. I have tried Future and it helped a little, but the large decals like the roundels are a challenge to say the least. The kit itself is great, with lots of detail, as you would expect from WNW. I bought the Pheon sheet for the Dolphin for the 19 Squadron markings, but unfortunately it doesn't include roundels. Strange that none of the decal makers offer roundels. I would certainly buy some.

[kensar]

You've got a nice clean build going there.  Should be great looking model when completed.

[nbrangers]

Thanks. Once I receive the replacement decals it should only be another week or so to wrap this one up.

[nbrangers]

I received the replacement decals from WNW today. Great customer service. Unfortunately they behaved in the same way as the originals, but at least I was ready for it this time.

[RAGIII]

I received the replacement decals from WNW today. Great customer service. Unfortunately they behaved in the same way as the originals, but at least I was ready for it this time.

Sorry to hear that the replacements were also bad. If you need to touch up the blue Valejo Intense Blue is a good match.
RAGIII

[nbrangers]

Thanks for the tip. I tried touching up the wing roundels from the first set of decals, but every masking medium I used caused them to lift. They are about the worst decals I have used. They almost make Roden's look good.

[nbrangers]

After putting the project on hold for several weeks while waiting for the replacement decals, I resumed work and unfortunately found the new decals no better than the old ones. The main problem involved the large roundels on the upper wings, which refused to go round the corners of the aileron cut-outs and the ailerons themselves. I tried cutting off the involved sections and applying them separately, but once again the decals cracked and in some places broke apart. Completely frustrated, I removed the decals--which fortunately wasn't difficult--and repainted the wings. I got out my Olfa circle cutter and made masks for the roundels. I then sprayed the three colours and after removing the masks did a little touching up. All in all, I am quite happy with the result. The white outer ring on the starboard wing is a little wider than the one on the port side, but I can live with that. At least now I can move on with the final assembly and rigging.

[RAGIII]

I must say that your ultimate solution seems to be far better than trying to touch up! IMHO the roundels look Terrific! Well done fix to a real issue!
RAGIII

[nbrangers]

Thanks for your comments. I thought about trying to touch up the decals, but masking was not possible because of their fragility, and in the end I decided to give painting the roundels a try. I am glad that I did and am quite satisfied with the result.
I hope that WNW does something about their decals before the Fokker Triplane kits come out. I already have Aviatik decals for an F.I and will probably use those for one of the two I have on pre-order from Hannants. The Dolphin decals really were some of the worst I have used for a long time.

[gedmundson]

Your roundels turned out very well. Gives me hope for when I give my new Flex-i-file circle cutter a try on my current project.
Cheers,
Gary

[nbrangers]

I used Art Mask, a product I bought at an art supply store long ago, as the masking medium. It is low-tack and conforms well to curves. It was easy to cut and left behind absolutely no residue. I am not familiar with the Flexi-File circle cutter, but the Olfa one I have is very easy to use. I may use it for all my roundels from now on.