1:24 McLaren MP4/12C GT3 - Spa 2011 Decals Set

Studio27 1:24 McLaren MP4/12C GT3, Spa 2011 (decal sheet)

There are no parts in the box: it holds only a sheet of water-slide decals in 1:24 scale from the Japanese brand Studio27. This is not a kit: you must own the plastic model of the McLaren MP4/12C GT3, the sheet only gives it a livery. Studio27 sheets for this car were created around the Fujimi kit in 1:24; before you put the sheet on a kit from another maker, check the shapes, because the decals may not fit a different body.

What the decals solve

The kit maker packs one livery into the box, exceptionally two, and that is that. Yet one and the same racing car went through the season in many different liveries: every event had a different race number, different sponsors, different graphics on the sides. When you want exactly the car that started in that one race, you will not find it in the box. A decal sheet is the only way to get to it. Among collectors of racing cars Studio27 has the reputation of a brand that prints sharply, on thin film and with good print registration.

Spa-Francorchamps and the MP4/12C GT3

Spa-Francorchamps counts as the most beautiful circuit in the world. The famous Eau Rouge section climbs so steeply and so fast that cars on the edge of grip almost lift off the track; taking it flat out calls for courage. The twenty-four hours of Spa is one of the biggest GT races in the world. The McLaren MP4/12C GT3 was the racing version of the then new supercar with a carbon fiber monocoque and it ran in the colors of several private teams, so there really are a lot of livery variants.

Application: the three things it rests on

• The base must be glossy. A decal laid on matte clear coat silvers: air gets caught under the film and a silvery rim appears around the artwork. It cannot be repaired, it can only be prevented.
• A GT3 body is all curves and large markings on the sides will not stretch over it by themselves. Use decal softener: the film grows supple, follows the shape and does not wrinkle. Without it racing cars are almost impossible.
• Cover the dried decals with clear coat. The edge of the decal disappears, you run a finger over it and feel nothing, and after polishing the body gets a wet shine like a real race car.

Who the sheet is for

For builders of racing cars who want one particular car from one particular race and will not settle for what was in the box. Experience with painting and patience when laying large decals are necessary.

A decal sheet is not a kit. The model, paints, gloss clear coat, clear coat and decal softener are not included in the package.