That decal spot could be some extreme weathering..flaking, chipping, and rust. Maybe dab some paint of the the basic decal color is, then chip and rust the rest, voila!
Props - Looking at the stern from a water skiing position, the right = right/clockwise, the left = left/anti-cw. Generally. Should be fine The counter rotation reduced torque. You may want to check prop web sites for how to tell what a prp looks like headed right, etc.
Good idea replacing the decal but I have managed to get a hold of another friendly Russian modeler who is willing to help me and send me an decal replacement.
Also, the props, according to this picture the the port propeller was clockwise and the starboard counter-clockwise so that is how I glued them on.
Model is pretty much finished, just waiting for the decal, last clearcoat and a sunny day outside so I can snap some pictures without flash.
Just to give you a lil' teaser, here is a couple of pictures but I really don't like how the flash is making the 'rust' looking too sharp and outlined.
It is much more subtle and realistic looking on the model itself...
There are two last things to take care of:
Find some bevelled pine board (approx 4x16 inches), stain it mahagony and find somebody to engrave a polished brass plate with the description.
So far I have failed on both counts....
Does anyone (living in the US) have a source for those? I would really appreciate your help!