Documentation Example Conclusion

Marks/Markings
The word defines the meaning. Marking (text and graphic) on the surface of the aircraft is documented in photos and artwork obtained from museums, libraries, governmental agencies, educational data bases, manufacturers, and the restoration community. After careful research and confirmation decals found in plastic modeling serve as a basis for documentation as well as a source for creation of artwork for application to your model.

Typically marks are indexed chronologically. The era in which an aircraft originally flew provides a validation pathway to evidence for authentication and duplication. Unique marks are often difficult to find in original period photographs. Researching the aircraft S/N (serial number) or BuNo (bureau number) assigned to it will lead you to confirmation of difficult to authenticate marks. Be aware of color differentiation due to optical issues like color validation, time of day a photo was exposed, over/under image exposure, etc...Finding a marks replication and using it in documentation is the accepted method of proving color in marks. Example

Color/Finish
As stated above in Marks and Markings...the color elements on an aircraft are typically indexed chronologically. In the case of the official color you have to actually look into the month by month or even a day of a given month by year to find the official color and its scheme or accompanying marks associated with a specific aircraft. Often only black and white photographs can be found in support of a know to be colorful aircraft. This pushes you to research color and marks chronologically... :^)  Example

Last (but not least)
Use of a three-ring binder will enable judges to remove documentation for their use during static judging. If you are attending a larger contest where multiple judges are at work at the same time, it is vital to be able to remove the pages from your package. I recommend multiple copies of the documentation binder so each judge is following you
directed judging path ;^)

Creation of documentation is extremely important before you start building. Many wasted hours can be prevented by researching documentation before you start building. The static score and the manner in which your model is judged is in your control.

Researching Documentation...Click Here