Italy WW2

[Emmersonforest4]

Just finished some Sam Marco marines. I just need to apply the decals to the helmets which I have never done before. What does everyone advise for that? Also what about weathering for helmets what does everyone do for that?

[fred]

Small decals

The way I do these is to cut them out in 1s or 2s, then rather than using a saucer of water I just put the decal on my cutting board and add a drop of water on top of it. Leave a minute or so to come off the backing, and use a paint brush to lift into place. Then use the brush or the point of a scalpel to position. Carefully blot off any excess water.

As with any decals a gloss base coat helps as it gives a smooth surface which minimises and silvering from tiny trapped air bubbles. 

[Vanth]

The best thing that I have found for decals, apart from the use of Microset and Microsol, is not soaking them in water at all. Instead, now I have a small box about two inches tall in which I have placed a thick piece of foam (could be slimmer but that is what I had) and filled the box in water so that the foam is completely damp. Then I just lay the decals on the foam until they can be used regularly. You might call it a wet palette for decals if you want...

[Emmersonforest4]

The best thing that I have found for decals, apart from the use of Microset and Microsol, is not soaking them in water at all. Instead, now I have a small box about two inches tall in which I have placed a thick piece of foam (could be slimmer but that is what I had) and filled the box in water so that the foam is completely damp. Then I just lay the decals on the foam until they can be used regularly. You might call it a wet palette for decals if you want...

Cheers thanks, I will look at that. It sounds like a good idea

[Emmersonforest4]

Just finished the San Marco marines. Project going well.

[Emmersonforest4]

Hey all I am just finishing some fasciti off and will starting in my carro armato, semovente and elphatinos. Question I have is what does everyone do with their spare bits from their plastic kits for Bolt action?

For the US airborne I am lucky to have some stl files of body parts and 3D printer so I can pin these all together and make some unique models and not waste anything.

What does everyone do for Italians? I can seem to find spare bodies anywhere. Any advice would be great.

[Redmist1122]

I did a nice platoon and support for my Giovanni Fascist unit for Chain of Command. Did a big mix of uniforms; adding in some British desert bodies. Adds a nice mix/match look to the unit in the field for awhile. So you can also use some of the British and even some German bodies with Italian heads and weapons to do something similar. I'm slowly stockpiling my spruces for a Bersaglieri platoon too.

[Emmersonforest4]

Awesome! Thank you for the advice, have you put any decals on yours? I can’t see any regiment markings I need I think.

[Emmersonforest4]

Just finished my first ever tank, I’ve never painted one before. Also completed another 7 Fasciti. If anyone knows of any stl files of Italian WW2 bodies with heads just let me know. I’ve got a load of spare warlord heads and it’s just a shame they are going to waste.

[CapnJim]

So far, so good!  Well done!

[Emmersonforest4]

Cheers Capn! Been loving looking at your stuff on your thread. Great inspiration makes you want to paint more.

[CapnJim]

Cheers Capn! Been loving looking at your stuff on your thread. Great inspiration makes you want to paint more.

Thanks!.  And so true.  I too take inspiration from these very pages...

[Utgaard]

Nice looking chaps and tank - well done!

Italians are my next project too albeit in 15mm and depicting the Livorno division for Sicily 1943 

[Emmersonforest4]

Nice looking chaps and tank - well done!

Italians are my next project too albeit in 15mm and depicting the Livorno division for Sicily 1943 

Thats ace id love to see pics of that project on here!