Decal removal question for the pros

WalkinTarget · Post by **WalkinTarget** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 3:19 am

I am looking for a way to remove the German markings on the Sherman Firefly #60260, specifically the turret and side skirt white crosses. Not sure this can be done without ruining the paint, hence this thread to ask the modder pros.

Link to pic of Firefly -> http://www.flyingmule.com/products/DM-60260

I'm finding it not so easy to buy a 'clean' Firefly that isn't remarked, so the intent is to Americanize it and return it to its rightful owners.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can give me an answer on this one. I have just begun to collect 1/72, so at this stage my modding skills are non-existent (and will probably stay that way - too much caffeine and bad nerves = shaky hands).

pickelhaube · Post by **pickelhaube** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 7:09 am

Using a Q-tip you can try denatured alcohol. then finger nail polish remover.

Then acetone. But the acetone may cut the paint.

Try a tiny spot then work bigger.

Removing the decals is one of the things that is hardest to do in modeling.

If they did not use a clear coat you could soak the piece in water . That could lift the decal.

Good luck !!

B17Fortress · Post by **B17Fortress** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 7:46 am

I use the same process as pickel, it works great!

WalkinTarget: What do you mean Americanize the Firefly? The yanks didn't use them, the British and Commonwealth forces did.

flyboy_fx · Post by **flyboy_fx** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 8:50 am

Why not repaint it? Just sand the markings off then... :\ They never used any in panzer camo. lol

Heer · Post by **Heer** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 9:58 am

I do have one of dragon's sherman firefly, however I have the British version. You can probably still get that version for a good price, to save yourself some work.

Nevertheless, I still think that dragon made a bad choice by making 2 captured fireflys. It just doesn't make sense.

flyboy_fx · Post by **flyboy_fx** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 11:34 am

No it does not... :S

Jnewboy · Post by **Jnewboy** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 1:31 pm

WalkinTarget wrote:I am looking for a way to remove the German markings on the Sherman Firefly #60260, specifically the turret and side skirt white crosses. Not sure this can be done without ruining the paint, hence this thread to ask the modder pros.

Link to pic of Firefly -> http://www.flyingmule.com/products/DM-60260

I'm finding it not so easy to buy a 'clean' Firefly that isn't remarked, so the intent is to Americanize it and return it to its rightful owners.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can give me an answer on this one. I have just begun to collect 1/72, so at this stage my modding skills are non-existent (and will probably stay that way - too much caffeine and bad nerves = shaky hands).

Are they decals or are they painted on with stencil?

WalkinTarget · Post by **WalkinTarget** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 6:44 pm

Yes, I agree it was a mistake to make two of them. One, ya fine. Two ??? C'mon ... I have been finding an occasional auction for the Polish version, but I do like the camo version minus the German markings.

Rather than mess one up, I think I will just buy a non-captured version at this point. Not sure if they are stencils or decals, as I didn't buy it yet, but maybe someone will chime in and clue us in.

Edit: Heh, I couldn't help myself. I just bought it .. guess I will do some experiments on it and see what happens.

Small Scale Military Headquarters

Decal removal question for the pros

Decal removal question for the pros

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