[BAracer]

...and 2hrs later I think it is basically there. Placing the mainly flat secondary decals was almost a pleasure, especially as the final scheme starts to take shape.

   

   

As you highlighted Chris, a lot of Micro Sol and numerous cotton buds were involved in shaping the decals to the body curves. I can see how scratch builders can favour certain decal providers as it must help to work with familiar materials and know how to manipulate them. Part way through, I realised I needed to treat the decals a bit like pastry and carefully work them to form the shape I needed, they were tougher than they looked.

I then noticed, too late, that I had got the position on the long diagonal stripes on the side that blend into the rear too low, and the result on the hatchback did not look right, with the stripes 'clashing' with the shape of the body. I made the decision to remove the sections off the hatch to leave a 'cleaner' rear appearance rather than have to look at it for ever more. You don't want your first attempt at decalling to be perfect do you...how would you follow that!?

So now I'm going to let it dry for a few days before clear coating it. One question...I need to add some black paint around the window openings, should I do that before or after applying the clear coat?

[Savage GT]

Thats looking good 
Personally, I would do it after clear coating, and use a suitable sized paint pen such as Posca.
Just my take, there are plenty of other ways though.

[BAracer]

Hadn't thought of pens, but I have some Staedtler ones that I have brought into action.

I am just beginning to realise my eyesight and hand control have aged. along with the rest of me.

[BAracer]

Minute decals added. Then a few mist coats of TS-13... 

   

Nothing melted, so it's onto adding the detail pieces, windows and interior.

It's almost enjoyable!

[BAracer]

So just when I think I 'get it', along comes a fresh challenge.

Having sorted out the interior and glass, I spotted that there were some decals left on the sheet and these where meant for the windows...

   

So I stuck them on the outside face, do I need to go over them with the top coat, or will that melt the windows?

[chrisguyw]

Your choice whether to top coat the window decals (I would),...........TS-13 will not harm the glass, but, as with the body shell, mist coats, so as to not harm the decals.

Cheers
Chris Walker

[BAracer]

Thanks.

What I actually think I am worried about is losing the smooth gloss finish of the windows rather than them melting.

But it's a racer, so needs to fit to be handled.

[chrisguyw]

Thanks.

What I actually think I am worried about is losing the smooth gloss finish of the windows rather than them melting.

But it's a racer, so needs to fit to be handled.

You may find that the clear top coat actually improves the finish of your glass...

Cheers
Chris Walker