Cal-Grafx Vintage Model Airplane Kit Decals
Has this ever happened to you? You score a great vintage RC airplane kit at the swap shop, and it is one you have always wanted to build. You open the box and check out all the parts and everything is there. Even the decals—well, what’s left of the decals that is. It happens a lot. With many vintage model-airplane kits, everything stands up to the test of time with the exception of those old and delicate water-slide decals. And it’s difficult to unroll and flatten curled-up decals without damaging them. Enter Cal-Grafx.
Jim McIntire, the owner/operator of Cal-Grafx, is now offering a service where he will duplicate your classic decal set using CAD software to create an exact match to your original design. The image is then thermally printed onto thin PSA (vinyl material) for lasting durability and to conform easily to surface features and details like rib tapes and panel lines. The new decals can be clear-coated for UV protection and fuel protection, if requested. To request a quote, simply send images of your old decals to Cal-Grafx via email attachment or regular mail.
I was lucky enough to acquire this vintage Jr. Falcon kit produced by Carl Goldberg back in the 1960s. The original decals that were in the kit were OK but curled up tight and were extremely fragile. I carefully flattened the decals, scanned them on a high-quality color photocopier and sent the file to Jim. In just a little while, he custom-made a new decal set. Prices vary on size and number of decals, so if you need some killer retro decals, give Jim a call at 386-236-8236.—GY cal-grafx.com