Rib tapes, stitching and lacings are common items you will see on all WWI aviation subjects that have fabric covering. This includes areas such as wings and fuselage. Rib tapes on some aircraft were applied on top of the ribs either before or after a fabric covering was laid down across the wing skeletals. The was then whip stiched in place to prevent catastrophic rips while the wing was under stress in flight. Lacings were reinforced fabric joints that needed to provide easy access to the fuselage for repairs or maintenance. Such as The French Nieuport designs near the upper longeron areas immediately behind the engines.
HGW Product
These items are unique as the are applied in a method that is reversed to the usual water slide decal. The strips are cut to fit and then wetted. Then they are laid out over the upper ribs or fabric joints "face down" and then the paper can be pulled away. When dry the decal carrier acts as a simulation of the rib tape and the detail of the stitching is prominantly apparent. It comes in 1:48 (#481010) and 1:32 (#321007) scale.
You get one sheet of decals with another sheet of instructions.
Comments
The nationality is listed as "France" but can be applied to any WWI kit where the original airframe was fabric covered. British, French, German , Austrian or etc. I look forward to using these item on a few build in the near future.
When contacting manufacturers and publishers please mention you saw this review at AEROSCALE
SUMMARY
Highs: Adding surface details where there were none at a reasonable cost. Lows: A list of applications to specific kits would be helpful. At least show it on the website.Verdict: This seem like a good item to add to the average kit build to make it more detailed and interesting.
Our Thanks to HGW! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
About Stephen T. Lawson (JackFlash) FROM: COLORADO, UNITED STATES
I was building Off topic jet age kits at the age of 7. I remember building my first WWI kit way back in 1964-5 at the age of 8-9. Hundreds of 1/72 scale Revell and Airfix kits later my eyes started to change and I wanted to do more detail. With the advent of DML / Dragon and Eduard I sold off my ...
Stephen,
Thanks for the heads up my friend.The HGW decals are simply wonderful.Very impressive 3-D approach to added details.I've been using Archer's Transfers lacing decal quite awhile now which themselves are an excellent product.But after reading the review today I'm certainly going to track down HGW and get ahold of those excellent rib tape and such.I'm certain that they will greatly improve the surface details of my upcoming Nieuport 11 in 1/32 scale.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
Comments