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I needed some colour contrast on the model and this was supplied by an air recognition flag for the rear engine deck. I found a site on the internet which had the swastika on a white disc and red background. After a little resizing I printed out a few and cut then out to check the sizes on the vehicle.
I had seen the method which follows used by Glenn Bartolotti in one of his Step by Step Finishing German Armour Vol 5 booklets (see you Book Review and CD ROM area) of which SMN has several reviews. The process as explained is to print out the flag, cut to size and then immerse in water to soften the paper. It is then painted with white glue on the underside and eased into position. I liked this approach so I thought lets try it.
As said the flags were cut out and one selected as being the correct size. I wanted the flag tied down on the rear deck, so small holes were drilled on the corners of the paper flag which would accept the tie-down ropes. I had some synthetic sewing thread which I used for the securing ropes. It was cut to a length longer than required, a knot tied at one end, then threaded through the hole and secured with a small drop of super glue. The assembly was now dipped into cold water to soften the paper and low and behold the ink ran. Back to the drawing board and a rethink so I decided to start again but before putting on the tie-dawns to spray the flag with matt varnish and leave to dry for 24 hours. The flag was made as before and on dipping into the water again, I found that it worked better, but still some bleed occurred. The flag was painted with diluted white glue and positioned over the box and jerry cans. A moistened brush was used to settle the flag down and also to make some creases which were then allowed to dry. When dry the ropes were tied to anchor points on the tank and fixed with a drop of super glue and then the excess was cut off. This looked good but too clean, so out came the pigments and these were used dry to dirty the flag which in turn toned down the colours.
The Mgs were now dry brushed with a polished steel over the cooling vanes.
