What's New This Week!

Hot Babe of the Week is courtesy of Chris "Spliff" Russell, F-15E WSO extraordinaire. Spliff sent me these pics eons ago but I thought they'd make a good Hot Babe for all of you in the middle of a dark Eagle build.

First and foremost, Happy New Years to everyone! 2011 was definitely challenging for all of us given the state of the world economy and things of that nature. I hope that all of you were able to make it through the previous year relatively unscathed. I'm sure all of us are looking forward to 2012 and starting the year off with lots of anticipation for what the new year will bring.

We have received our first batch of large distributor orders for our new releases and they did put a sizeable dent into the inventory. These Eifel Eagle sheets are doing very well so be sure to get yours before they're all gone!



Not many website orders to fill this week with everyone taking it easy during the holiday break. We'll have all those done tomorrow and out in the mail immediately.

You're going to see some changes on our website in the next few days. With the time off I've had this last week, I've put a little work into the site to make it a little easier to navigate. Thanks to Trigger for sitting down with me and giving me some suggestions; much appreciated!

Decals In Work!

I have some images to share with you this week on our F-15C Digital Flanker sheet. I've sent these images to Slick, Opus and Bulldog at the 65th and they're giving it the "once over". I know there is one small stencil graphic that I need a better pic of and I'll have that in my Inbox this coming Tuesday. Once I receive that image and draw that specific marking, this guy is "done-done" and off to the printers. Such a shame that they weren't able to paint all five jets like they originally planned. Very good looking scheme and Capt. Caleb "Slick" Haley is pretty proud that he got his name on this jet.







You can see that we ended up doing all three scales on one sheet. Really nothing else to couple it with that hasn't been done before. I contemplated putting the SU-30B markings that this scheme was patterned after on this sheet but without all the proper references (the stencils on that jet are unique to that jet only and are not the same as any other Flanker variant) I decided against that. Something I did include though were intake and exhaust plug markings as well as wheel chock markings. The chock markings are sized to the Eduard Wheelliant sets and you can pick up the excellent intake/exhaust plugs from Darren Roberts over at Steel Beach Accessories.

ALE-40 decals are also included as a bonus and the instruction sheets also have some modeling references for you in regards to the antenna fit for this particular tail number. The guys at the 65th are pretty jazzed about this one, I'll be sure to catch up with them at the next WEPTAC at Nellis this coming month!

No "new news" on the other items we have at the printers other than they're "at the printers". Gotta get those F-5F instruction sheets finished so I can check that off the list!

Other News......

The Braille Scale/Sausage Fingers Sale continues and we're still getting slammed over here with orders! Keep em coming!

I'm going to leave the text below for a couple of weeks to be sure that it get's the widest dissemination possible.

PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS Digital Silk decals are extremely durable and do not easily scratch, and are printed on a continuous, clear film. Each design will need to be cut out individually. Digital Silk decals do not generally need to be clear coated prior to use. Use care when applying as the decal film is extremely thin. Digital Silk decals are tough and durable, but do not like to bend around corners. To get the decals to flex or bend, an easy solution is to soak the decal in VERY HOT water. The HOT WATER softens the ink and allows the decal to conform around tails and over uneven surfaces. DO NOT float the decal off of the paper, as it will fold over itself and become unusable. Rather, soak the decal in very HOT water for about 45 seconds then remove it and allow it to sit for 15 seconds before trying to slide it off of the backing paper. "Normal" decal setting solutions can be used with these decals. We recommend using Microscale's Micro Set (a wetting agent) and Mi cro Sol (a SOLvent), but note the decal solvents only effect the clear film and have LITTLE TO NO effect on the inks. Brush the Micro Set directly on your model before sliding the decal into position. After you slide the decal into position and soak up the excess liquid, apply a thin coat of Micro Sol (the solvent) to soften the clear carrier. It is important to get the Micro Sol under the decal, as the solvent has little effect on the ink, but it will dissolve the clear carrier which allows the decal to dig into the paint. After this coat dries and you are certain the decal is in its final position, apply a second heavier coat of Micro Sol. Another method to try is to use a cloth soaked in HOT water to press the decal into place over rivets, panels lines and other contours. Just a reminder, HEAT is the best option to make the ink bend and conform. After the decals are completely dry, clear coating your model after applying these (or any) decals is a must! I repeat this is a must. The clear coat will seal your decal and prevent it from becoming damaged. Airbrush lacquers only in very light, misting coats. Another method to clear coat the decal is to use Future acrylic floor polish. Good luck and thank you for using Digital Silk decals!

Have a great week guys!

Bob Sanchez
Twobobs Aviation Graphics
Two Accurate, Two Colorful, Twobobs!!
Visit the Twobobs Website!