Is anyone else having issues with Microscale decals not softening and conforming to the surface of models (irregular surfaces)? I can't seem to get them to adhere well, especially their Amtrak stripes and white decal film sheets that have been printed within the last few years. They are also super brittle and break easily (even with the decal restore solution). I remember them being easier to work with in the past. Have they started using a new formula or material that has changed the ease of use? I'm at a complete loss! For troubleshooting purposes I've: Used Micro Sol and Micro Set I've tried the Walthers solution too I'm putting the decals on a glossy surface Thanks for reading! v/r Chris
With any decals, I've noted that long or thin stripes always break up at least in one spot. I have come upon some decal sets that are more difficult to work with, but mostly in the breakage issues. And Murphy usually intervenes because it's always with hard to find decals... As for conforming to surfaces, I have noted that patience is often more than a virtue, but a necessity. Those big CN zebra stripes can be a bear to apply, but it can be done in about a day (per side) by repeated applications of Micro Sol, about every hour and a half to two hours, leaving it completely alone in the interim. They can be made to conform to any surface irregularities, even an EMD blower bulge.
I wish Microscale would enter the 21st Century and follow the lead of other model manufacturers who have advanced their products with excellence. Back in the early '80s I used Northeast Decals exclusively and they were superb. After Northeast shut down, I moved to Microscale and immediately noticed the thin, translucent coverage of their decals, poor edge delineation and the break-up issues mentioned by Mike. Even their simple Penn Central decals look lousy. I dunno. Because of this frustration, I do far less custom painting today than I once did.
