Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Estes Great Goblin, #9724 Build, Part 25, Decals

The original Goblin kit had the fin decal baselines parallel to the table top. This new kit pictures have the fin decals more parallel to the trailing edge of the fin.
Now, the "3" decal is set like a regular number 3. The original instructions had you set the "3" decal on it's side.
To see the original instructions and decal placement, go to Jim Z's: CLICK HERE

Some of these water slide decals are large. Rub some water on the body tube or fins before transferring the decals. The extra beads of water under the decal allows for easier positioning.
    
TIP: While it might be tempting to start with a big decal - Always start with a smaller decal. There are two ESTES logos. One can be used as a "test" to find the soaking time and to see how it slides off the backing.  If you mess up one of the tests, you still have that second decal to use on the model.

I don't usually apply logos on my personal builds. 
But, I'm placing these decals like the illustration on the box.

Before placing the black band that wraps around the body tube - 
You should place the ESTES decal. The black band is spaced and wrapped on above that. As with all decals, plan ahead for proper placement.
 
I like to put the ends seam towards the back in line with the launch lugs. Sometimes a kit wrap-around decal isn't long enough and the ends might not meet.
No problems here, there is about a 3/16" overlap.

Before soaking the decal, I dry fitted and found the right height for the wrap. A piece of masking tape was placed on the tube (not on the decal) for a height reference.


TIP:
When cutting out crazy shaped decals, try not to make any sharp inside angles. Round all corners, sharp inside cuts invite tears. While instructions may say: "Cut close to the image", you don't have to cut inside every nook and cranny. 



After blotting out the bubbles with a soft cloth, I use a cotton swab to roll out any remaining bubbles. Work from the center out to the edges.





The Bat and GOBLIN decals are separate on the decal sheet. This might make visual centering difficult. 

Start with the GOBLIN decal first. 
I found 1" above the trailing edge to be good spacing.
In this upscale kit, the bat is set a little to the right of the left side of the word Goblin.

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