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Greetings all,
I’m contemplating a conversion of the Revell KC-10 to a -30 for my next build later this year. Looking at other builds of the DC-10 and MD-11 here on the site though, one thing appears to be consistent in that probably 95% of the windshield decals seem a tad too small to my eye. In my view this really diminishes the accuracy and “look” of otherwise superb models. Has anyone else noticed this and if so, can you recommend a specific decal make in 144 scale that will accurately depict the larger size of the windscreens? I had thought of trying a C-17 but seems like a lot of money for an uncertain experiment…
Josh
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Hi Josh;
I built an Authentic Airliners MD-11 and finished her with the life like windscreen decals from Authentic Airliners, as seen here :
https://www.airlinercafe.com/photo_25076.details
Here’s a link to the build process, which includes some details about the decals (you’ll also find a link to the completed model post with lots of pictures from different angles that show the windows/windscreen up close).
Highly recommend the AA decals….very easy to work with, detailed, and above all…correct.
Look forward to seeing YOUR build!
Cheers,
Paul
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Highly recommend the AA decals….very easy to work with, detailed, and above all…correct.
Paul, great work! And I agree, those are exactly what I am looking for! Too many trips to the Long Beach production line as a kid in the early 90s…
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I agree. Although very detailed, most DC-10/MD-11 windshield decals are slightly too small in scale when compared with photos of the real aircraft
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Darkhorse06 :
Looking at other builds of the DC-10 and MD-11 here on the site though, one thing appears to be consistent in that probably 95% of the windshield decals seem a tad too small to my eye.Hello,
To me, the most accurately sized/shaped DC-10/MD-10/MD-11 windshield decals are from 26 Decals. They, however, are not of the realistic type, only grey window panes and silver frame.
Cheers,
StefanDC-10/MD11 windscreen decals are also available from 8A Decals. I’ve never used them so I can’t say whether they are a better size than Authentic Airliners but Jon’s products are usually good.
http://www.8adecs.com/cgi-bin/fdecals.pl?opc=show&opc_accesorios=1&id=758
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With the DC-10 being one of my favorite builds, I’ve had the same challenges with DC-10 windscreen decals. From my experience, the AA decals in 1/144 scale, in my opinion, are too small. Nazca decals are too large. I thought 26decals were acceptable though a little undersized. When Caracal released their KC-10 decal, the windscreen appeared to me as the most accurate produced yet. Shortly after receiving a set of those decals, I emailed the owner and complimented his work. I would purchase a dozen of his KC-10 windscreen decals alone, if sold separately. Don’t get me started on the different sizes of DC-10/MD-11 passenger windows in 1/144 scale among the various decal manufacturers.
Been building airliner models since the '70s. Clint Groves and his ATP/Airliners America catalog made be realize I wasn't the only one with this interest. Pleased that the hobby has progressed from generally inaccurate models and decals to extreme detail and precision.
This is all really great feedback and I appreciate it. The caracal decals I’d have to say seem like they capture the best overall shape but it would be nice to see how they lay on a model, particularly the revell with it’s oh-so-loveable contours. Well I’ll probably end up building a few of these, so may just have to experiment! The -10 is such a favorite of mine!
Josh
PS Paul, I’m curious about the cheat line on the #2 as you have it. Was not familiar with that scheme; I only knew of the ‘DELTA’ on a very early GE-powered bird before the standard ‘MD-11’/PW combo. It really is a sharp-looking model!
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Josh…check out a pic on this site of an American DC-10 I made wearing the Caracal windscreen. It can be found using the search function. Just use “Advent” as the kit manufacturer and it will pop up.
Bill
Been building airliner models since the '70s. Clint Groves and his ATP/Airliners America catalog made be realize I wasn't the only one with this interest. Pleased that the hobby has progressed from generally inaccurate models and decals to extreme detail and precision.
Hi
Have built endless Hasegawa D10 / M11 and the after market flight deck decals never fit properly (HGWA D10 nose more blunt than M11 nose anyway)
This might sound odd but I split the flight deck decal in half at the centre vertical post / frame – and apply left and right 3 windows separately. This is my base. When I am not happy with the geometry of the windows, the gap, the shape, contour, rake of outline (using airliners net / other detail sites as references)I simply paint over the base where required with bluey / greeney / grey mix – and repaint the flight-deck window frames / posts myself until happy. It can take ages and a lot of four letter words – but you get there in the end and it’s worth it
There is nothing worse than doing a nice looking aircraft like a D10 or M11 only to end up with a naff, inaccurate flight deck window.
J
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This might sound odd but I split the flight deck decal in half at the centre vertical post / frame
Not at all! I picked up a similar tip here on another thread and tried it on an OOB Minicraft 733. Only I think I split it into four pieces: front two windows separately, then each group of side frames. Quite pleased with overall result.
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I have a bunch of United DC-10 sheets that were printed with the wrong blue, but everything else is fine. The windows and windshield are perfectly fine. I can sell them to you for $5 including postage. Send me a PM if you’re interested.
[photoid=2451]
Thanks,
ahmed
KSFODitto on splitting windscreen decals so they sit/conform to the model. Very effective! Ahmed, you know us better than that. The rivet counters among us can always find something amiss.
Been building airliner models since the '70s. Clint Groves and his ATP/Airliners America catalog made be realize I wasn't the only one with this interest. Pleased that the hobby has progressed from generally inaccurate models and decals to extreme detail and precision.
planecrazy :
Ditto on splitting windscreen decals so they sit/conform to the model. Very effective! Ahmed, you know us better than that. The rivet counters among us can always find something amiss.Which part of the windows and windshield has blue?
Thanks,
ahmed
KSFONeither. I have this decal in my stash for a future build and the blue matches the UA 747 sheet. $5 including postage is a great deal for anyone just needing a DC-10 windscreen or windows. As the original poster was highlighting the inaccuracies of DC-10 windscreen decals, I’m sure someone on this site could disagree with “the windows and windshield are perfectly fine”. Won’t be me as I’m happy that you have a DC-10 stars and bars decal available.
Bill
Been building airliner models since the '70s. Clint Groves and his ATP/Airliners America catalog made be realize I wasn't the only one with this interest. Pleased that the hobby has progressed from generally inaccurate models and decals to extreme detail and precision.
I understand. The problem is as a decal maker you’re always faced with the dilemma of making a piece match the kit or accurate in respect to the real thing. This is always a problem when making door and window/windshield decals. Most airliner kits out there have inaccurate windshields, whether in shape or size, or both. I always go for accuracy and disregard the kit entirely.
Thanks,
ahmed
KSFOI appreciate your comment Ahmed. The dilemma you mention certainly applies to the Revell DC-10. Modelers more skilled than myself have modified the nose profile to better reflect the actual shape. I sand and putty the nose to a degree yet it still won’t look quite right no matter how accurate the windscreen decal is.
Been building airliner models since the '70s. Clint Groves and his ATP/Airliners America catalog made be realize I wasn't the only one with this interest. Pleased that the hobby has progressed from generally inaccurate models and decals to extreme detail and precision.
Bill, If you want a DC10 kit that looks spot on I would be able to recommend you one.
Kurt
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I also highly recommend to split cockpit windows. Despite of decals being too small or oversized most of the trouble originates from applying a 2D decal to a 3D surface.
As an example I applied the Authentic Airliner Decals 747-8i cockpit to my Revell kit in one piece and was very unhappy with the result. So I removed it. Next I applied it in two pieces and was not much happier. Finally I applied it window by window, est voila, it looked spot on!
May it be that your Authentic Airliner Decals cockpit looks out of size only on the Revell kit?
I applied it to my AA Lufthansa DC-10 and AA Lufthansa Cargo MD-11 and think it looks perfect.Happy modelling,
and Happy Easter,Christian
Christian Klepp
Lightyears Landscape Photography
Where Geoscience Meets Art
www.christianklepp.comNo doubt Kurt. Before I experience your gem I will work my way through an inventory of Revell kits. I enjoy a challenge.
Been building airliner models since the '70s. Clint Groves and his ATP/Airliners America catalog made be realize I wasn't the only one with this interest. Pleased that the hobby has progressed from generally inaccurate models and decals to extreme detail and precision.
Paul, great work! And I agree, those are exactly what I am looking for! Too many trips to the Long Beach production line as a kid in the early 90s…
PS Paul, I’m curious about the cheat line on the #2 as you have it. Was not familiar with that scheme; I only knew of the ‘DELTA’ on a very early GE-powered bird before the standard ‘MD-11’/PW combo. It really is a sharp-looking model!
Thanks, Josh! I appreciate your kind comments. The cheat line on the #2 caught my eye and made the decision while doing research as to which aircraft I wanted to model. As far as I could tell, N801DE is the only MD-11 at Delta to have that cheat line while she wore the widget livery. Truthfully-IMHO-for what it’s worth…I think that cheat line on the #2 was far more eye catching and complimentary than the “DELTA” or the “MD-11” written across it like a bill board. Just sayin….:pp
Paul
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AA DC-10/MD-11 cockpit windshields are too small but they got the right shape. As far as I’m concerned it’s really hard to capture the correct shape and size for the DC-10/MD-11, B-757/767/777 cockpit windshield decal. Most Zvezda Airliner kits have the correct cockpit windshield size and shape. Example B-737/B-777/B-747B-787. Their B-767 cockpit windshield is wrong.
Ray
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