Decals 2026

[Edie1971]

I build mainly 1/48 scale aircfraft and have for the past 30 years. The detail of most kits today are fine for me, but ususally one thing I change out is decals. Most of the time the kits stock sets from like Hasegawa and Tamiya are just OK unless they come with Cartograph or you score an Aeromaster set and those are great. I find myself looking to make something different.

It seems like in the past, until around 2010 the decal situation was great but has taken a step backwards since then. No more Aeromaster, or Eagle Strike, and Microscale has vastly cut back what they offer as well as Cartograph. Is Sky models gone, because they are out everywhere. I build other Axis planes and it's not just Italian subjects, but all in general. If it wasn't for Vince and Stormo I would have a lame Italian collection! I see some other companies like Techmod and Eduard stepping up, but I feel the former's quality leaves much to be desired, I had a lot of issues with my A6M2. The aftermarket for detail sets has exploded with 3D printing and all, so it baffles me the decal side of the house has regressed. Anybody else feel the same way?

[Editor]

I think part of the issue is that it takes a long time to make an accurate decal sheet - everything in a decal sheet needs attention to detail e.g. size, shape, stenciling, colors, markings, text/descriptions, clear instructions, good quality photos for drawings, artwork, units badges etc 48012/48013 almost took a year from start to finish. Previous decal sheets (Stormo) took 6 months with an enormous investment in time and resources. The bar is much higher today than back then and so is the demand for accuracy and quality. Good post.

[Edie1971]

Vince I agree about the demand for accuracy but there were a lot of good decals floating around in that era I mentioned. Thankfully I collected a lot of them and have them. Have you tried those Techmod decals? They are tough to work with....they remind me of decals from the 70's. The best I have used have been yours and Cartograph. Tauro used to make good ones as well, but they are also gone. Seems like Italian companies pump out the finest decals.

[Editor]

I haven't tried Techmod decals. Cartograf are really in a class of their own, they invest in R&D, they use the latest technology and equipment and it shows. They also have a very able staff - what others can't do they find a way and are very easy to work with, and most importantly they get that detail and accuracy matters! Thanks for your comments, I really appreciate it, it makes it worthwhile.