Schabak Decal Cracking

The vast majority of my Schabak collection had until recently been in storage for over a decade. It was disappointing to find on opening a small number of boxes that the models decals had deteriorated terribly. I am not alone in discovering this unwelcome phenomenon but I can at least say that it only appears to impact late model Schabaks made in the 2004-2006 period.

The manifestation of the damage are various stages of cracked dry decals that often have peeled off of the model entirely. The affliction is particularly prominent in models with dark belly decals. It is not related to storage itself as all my models were stored together and I instead ascribe the problem to a change in production method.

I can only surmise that in 2004 Schabak changed to use a different type of decal (or at least different adhesive) and this new product did not stand up to the test of time well. It is somewhat ironic that original 1982 Schabaks can seem almost pristine but some of the latest and most detailed models are effectively ruined. 

Twenty eight of my models show varying degrees of this problem, although I admit I haven't yet been through every model and there maybe several more 747s and 777s with the issue. No doubt there are other models from this period that I do not own also impacted. Below is the list of my models impacted so far: