Echelon Fine Details FL354005 Decals for 1/35 UK Antenna Flags & Stickers (Part 2)

Water-slide Decals

In similar fashion to FL354002 flag sheet, the Welsh Red Dragon colours are the main attractions of this sheet. In order to create a truly unique product, it includes one atypical version of the "Union Jack" that differs to the one in FL354002 in terms of the lighter blue shade and the very narrow white areas surrounding the central red cross. As examples of usage, one AS90 SPG was seen carrying such a flag during Op Telic, right next to another AS90 carrying the normal type as seen at the top of FL354002! It has also been seen on a Challenger I Mk3 in Bosnia, possibly a QRH tank!

Probably quite unusual (maybe not done in this scale) are the Royal Navy's White Ensign flags. Maybe some day, a manufacturer would come up with a 1/35 Vosper or even a hovercraft seen during Op Telic? Only wishful thinking (though not impossible), but the main reason why these flags are included is because the Royal Marines also used these on some of their land vehicles (Rovers?) as well as sea-going vessels. So why not include the White Ensign!

Those tiny specks of "dots" on the sheet are actually small flag patches worn by servicemen, AFV crews inclusive.

Overall, most of the flags (including the English Cross of St George: red cross on white) featured in this sheet have been used on AFVs during Op Telic and have probably seen on other theatre of operations.

How to apply water-slide decals:
1. Preparation: to achieve better result, a gloss or semi-gloss coat is very important. It will make a smooth layer which the decals will suction to and make it much easier to apply and set them.
2. Cut out the decal you need (do it on cutting mat)
3. Grab the decal with tweezers, place it on the surface of the water and leave it for about 20 seconds.
4. Remove the decal from the water and place it on paper towel to remove any excess water.
5. Apply decal solution to the part where the decal is to be placed.
6. Slide the decal off the backing paper on to the model. Using a paint brush or cotton bud is a good way to do this without damaging the decal.
7. Use the brush, knife or cotton bud to position the decal. Using your paper towel, gently dab the decal and soak up the excess water (decal softner is also recommended at this stage. After applying softner, the decal will suction to the part and flatten out smooth.)
8. When the decal is completely dry, give another coat of varnish or Klear/Future to seal it.