I've only done one build from Academy and the decals were a pain. So you may be on to something about their decals...I may have to second guess this build right now. I purchased the same kit recently and it's on my to do. For the same reason I love the idea of the Navy's Jolly Rogers.
Also, I had the same problems because of the decals in the box. This is the first time to buy the Academy kit with the Cartograf. Now I am building F/A 18E 'VFA-195 Chippy Ho'. I'll try to solve and overcome these problems and I want to complete my kit like you.
Great build, great review. My only complaints are with the model itself. I worked instrumentation on the Super Hornets for the past 15 years and, your interpretation of the aircraft, having not really been an A/C guy is perfect. The model should have had an extra set of rear jet "nozzles;" most times you will see one open and one shut when landed, as there are two powerplants on board. This would have also given the option of full throttle if suspended. No biggie. The other would have been the fold down ladder, from the intake, which allows aircrew to board aircraft. Again, no biggie. Great job!
i had the same issue with the nose cone and the decals. i even found that using micro sol and set solutions didn't really help much but i did try using tamiya thinners brushed on before and after applying the decals worked better.
I love your videos! I learn a lot from them. do you just build whatever you get your hands on? I would love to see you work on two model kits! -Svesda imperial star destroyer -Tamiya 1/350 bismarck Keep up the good work, big fan
Thanks for watching! I pretty much just grab stuff I like and build it up. I'm into that Zvezda ISD but I'll wait to see what Revell sells it for when they bring it to the US in January/Feb of 17.
I will never choose Academy kits after I met the dificulty with its F-35A's decal. But If someone still love Academy, choose the box whice provide you Cartograf decal printed on the box. regards.
I had the same problem with their F-4J showtime in 1/72. I then remembered seeing some daredevils on RU-vid who used tamiya extra thin. You need to be VERY careful but it works! The decals look like they were painted on! Of course I had some casualties but I used the stickers and they are more resistant to Tamiya extra thin.
Nope I got the same problem with the decals with this set too :( but they have one saving grace about the decals and that is its so thin that after you get it on it looks as if its painted on.
You did a fine job with this terrible Academy model. I had the same issue when I purchased this kit, and the instructions book is terrible (understatement) this was my first Academy kit in many many years and my last. Terrible kit, terrible instruction, the decals are garbage as you mentioned.
It wasn't you. I have this kit and the decals are so bad they are unusable as far as I'm concerned. The stickers would probably be better. I am looking for aftermarket for this now.
