Alpine Renault 442B

[aurfalien]

Esteemed builders,

This project started out fun but ended up a nightmare, only because of the decals.

I tried hot water and decal soution but nothing really worked completely for me.  It helped but wasn't 100%.

For some reason, I threw the original decal sheet in water, I never do this and usually just cut out what I need.  A few moments later it was as if Wolverine came by and sliced up my decals!  They pretty much disintigrated, even the small ones.

Unsure why, but I scanned the sheet before hand, probably because it looked poor to begin with.

At any rate, I made a few prints but was unhappy so I bought a set from Studio27.  I ruined the big decals going around the curves and vents so I went back to my prints and made them work.

I suggest doing a high resolution scan in PNG format of any decal sheet in case you run into problems.  Also when printing, use an inkjet due to richer blacks.  Only caveat is to let it dry a good loooooong time.  There is white and clear waterslide paper.  What I found is that clear will not show the print if on a colored backround.  Some times white paper is best, other times clear is best.

I actually loathed finishing this, but I have to finish what I start.

* In the end, I printed out my scans to waterslide paper which was thicker then normal decals.  This allowed me to stretch the decal around a bit w/o tearing.  It was also less likly to wrinkle like the thinner decals would.  All in all I wouldn't recomend this kit or the Tamiya 936/78 (which is also in my stash) having similar body length decals, curves and vents.  In fact GPMA did a somewhat unfavorable review of the 936/78 kit.

** This project was an excellent exercise in applying decals.  Definately not for the faint hearted.  I was not ready for this advanced of an application.

[Harry P.]

Despite your trials and tribulations, the end result is a knockout.

[aurfalien]

Despite your trials and tribulations, the end result is a knockout.

Wow, thanks.  I'm VERY appreciative as you are, what I consider a master of masters.

Thanks again!

[Harry P.]

Wow, thanks.  I'm VERY appreciative as you are, what I consider a master of masters.

Thanks again!

Oh please. I'm just another modeler. We are all equal in this brotherhood.

[DumpyDan]

Looks good, nice

[Helix]

Nice build Brian 

[Dave B]

That is a nice build Brian, I assume it is Tamiya?

 

Dave B

[aurfalien]

That is a nice build Brian, I assume it is Tamiya?

 

Dave B

Hi Dave,

Yes, Tamiya.  I was eye balling the Fujimi but it was way more costly and as old.  So I bet its decals would have been in as bad a shape.  I've tired 3 different waterslide paper and my favorite is Lazertran due to its satin sheen.  Its also the toughest but only comes in clear.  But I noticed the clear, when dried, has a white sort of film on it.  So the Ferodo/Cibie decal on the rear wheel arch, that's supposed to be clear and it dried white.  I mean it was clear when I pulled it out of the water.  Same with the Michelin decal on the side skirt.

[花火]

Came out very nice.

I also have this kit. I brought the st27 decals for the red one, number 4 1978

[Hubert Rollins]

Very nice result, regardless of your troubles.

[aurfalien]

Came out very nice.

I also have this kit. I brought the st27 decals for the red one, number 4 1978

Be careful around the 2 front fender vents, the vents on either side of the turbo inlet and the vents mid way between the turbo inlet and the tail.

Also, the front decals in black are supposed to be white.  It fits over the head light and really sux.  I'd honestly suggest mask and spraying instead.

And scan those decals, they are expensive.  I was very upset after partially destroying mine.  Might as well scan both the Tamiya and Studio27 versions.

Edited May 8, 2016 by aurfalien

[Mike 1017]

Congrats on your great build.

[bbowser]

Outstanding, especially after your decal woes.  Anyone who can decal this well (with reproductions at that!) deserves accolades.

[aurfalien]

Outstanding, especially after your decal woes.  Anyone who can decal this well (with reproductions at that!) deserves accolades.

Wow, that's bitchen dude, thanks!

I'm pretty stoked at every ones replies for sure.

I'm making it standard practice to scan (in the highest resolution possible) my decal sheets when starting a project.  You simply never know what can happen.  And buying decals are expensive.

[GTJUNIOR]

Very nice work. Well done.

[Daddyfink]

That is one wild looking car! Glad you stuck with it, the result looks great! 

[花火]

Be careful around the 2 front fender vents, the vents on either side of the turbo inlet and the vents mid way between the turbo inlet and the tail.

Also, the front decals in black are supposed to be white.  It fits over the head light and really sux.  I'd honestly suggest mask and spraying instead.

And scan those decals, they are expensive.  I was very upset after partially destroying mine.  Might as well scan both the Tamiya and Studio27 versions.

thank you sir. I surely will scan the decals, i alway do so.

[Nacho Z]

Very, very, nice!  I think finishing a model that is a PITA is always a little more satisfying than a normal build.  Congrats on seeing it through to completion!

[Rider]

I really dig this subject, you've done a top notch job on this. 

[slusher]

Great build Brian...