What's the difference between Alps and regular decals?

This is a common question that I'm currently working on providing an answer to by way of an article I'll publish in the FOR section of Aero Imageworks website. As a decal producer and consumer over many years I'll provide the reader with a unique insight into the production and application of scale model decals together with the pros and cons of Alps and screen printing. Whether you are a novice or experienced modeller I'm sure you'll find it interesting.

Some of it will seem pretty basic such as how I apply decals. However, it's worth mentioning as every modeller has his own technique so there maybe something about my approach that others like and can adopt. I'll also comment on how to review decals. Time and time again I've read decal reviews where the reviewer hasn't really thought about what decals are and how they are applied. Decals end up being cut to pieces (literally!), dunked in water, dissolved, patted, pressed, squeezed, dried, coated with clear paint and finally weathered. Pretty rough treatment!

Tamiya Spitfire with RAAF markings

check out the latest progress building Tamiya's Spitfire Mk VIII in 1/32nd scale

Spitfire and P-40 Research Night

Last month I held a 'researchers night' for those interested in the Spitfire and P-40 Kittyhawk in RAAF service during WWII. The presentation was very well received and it was nice to see a good mix of people, not just scale modellers! Although the night went well, it was a lot of work to set up so I think it will be a while before I have another open night. If you missed it, you will probably catch at least some of it on YouTube!

'Spitfire Women' documentary

Recently I saw a most interesting BBC documentary on the ATA pilots during WWII. This small band of women pilots ferried all types of RAF aircraft including the Spitfire. If you have an interest in WWII aviation this is a must see documentary.

Spitfire and P-40 Research Night BOOKED OUT

Please note my research night is now booked out.

Aero Imageworks decals are now available for Spitfire in 1:32nd scale

AI has completed some minor changes to the 1:32nd scale Spitfire Mk VIII decals A01320, A013202 and A013203 following the release of Tamiya's Spitfire Mk VIII kit. Now you can build the kit with accurate RAAF markings just the way it should be.

Aero Imageworks Spitfire Mk VIII decals in 1:32 scale

Aero Imageworks 'Shark Attack!' decals A013201, A013202 and A013203 have been temporarily unavailable due to them undergoing minor changes following the release of Tamiya's superb Spitfire Mk VIII kit. The changes are more of a minor 'tweak' to the decal in particular the sharkmouth so it fits nicely onto the Tamiya kit nose. They should be available in the next few days, check the AI website.

Speaking of the Tamiya Mk VIII kit, this blog was actually the first to announce it was going to be released! My source in Japan gave me the inside info a couple of weeks before it became generally known. Unfortunately the gun detail that I was expecting did not make it into the kit. Seems something was lost in the translation! The hot tip for the next Spitfire mark to be released is,drum roll ..........wait for it,......XVI. I know what I'll be building it as, FU-? of No. 453 Squadron RAAF.