What's New This Week!

Hot Babe of the Week is courtesy of numerous photographers this week. With the forthcoming release of our F-5F Double Trouble Bandits sheet, I went ahead and posted the subjects that will be on the sheet. The jet that was last week's Hot Babe will also be on this sheet.

It's been a couple of weeks since the last newsletter. With Thanksgiving and the proposal effort I was working on taking most of my time, numerous things fell to the wayside. That being said I hope all of you (Americans anyways!) had a great Thanksgiving. We traveled to Pennsylvania to visit Teri's family this year and as usual, had a fantastic time. Love going out there!

Orders were a little delayed due to our travel out of state but I can say that all orders were shipped out as of Wednesday this last week and you should be receiving them soon.

I've uploaded all the preview images on the website of the F-15C Bitburg sheets. Those links will go active this coming Friday! I probably receive two E-mails a day asking about the release date for those sheets so I know they won't be around long. You 32nd scale guys shouldn't wait too long to order either; we've only printed 250 each in that scale so be sure to get yours while you can!

Got lots of news this go-round. so let's get started!

Decals In Work!

First thing to talk about this week is the F-15C Digital Flanker sheet that we've been working on. I had previously announced that we were holding short on this release while we waited for all five jets to get painted. There was a part of me though that was dreading what a lot of you have heard through the various discussion boards that the 65th Aggressor Squadron is to be disbanded and therefore none of the other jets will be painted with this scheme. Budget cuts throughout the military have taken there toll and unfortunately they've only just begun.

The images below show the sheet as it would have been with all five jets represented. I'm kicking around in my head the best way to pull this product together now. All three scales are complete of A/C 509; any suggestions? All three scales on one sheet might be the way to go. I'll be going to the printers with this by the end of week regardless, you're suggestions are welcome.



The next piece of artwork I'd like to share that's going to the printers is the F-5F Double Trouble sheet below. Each F-5 Adversary squadron only has one dual so the options are limited but we've captured five jets on this one to include the 25th Anniversary VMFT-401 jet that just recently received a new scheme. The only squadron not represented here is VFC-111 and there's a reason for that one; you'll be hearing more about that later!



This sheet is sized for the excellent AFV kit and is at the printers now along with the T-6A/B Texan II sheet that we have previously announced.

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!