German Instrument Faces

German Information Placards

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

Summary

FirstLook

To help produce that ultimate SdKfz 251, 250 or 11, Archer has produced a new set of transfers for the driving compartment.

AR35214 consists of a variety of instrument faces and these are located on a single sheet.

Being “dry transfers”, they are designed to be rubbed onto the surface of the model. Thus there is no need for the usual carrier film that can potentially cause “silvering”.

For those that like the traditional “wet” approach, this can also be accommodated. Simply rub the items onto clear decal film, cut out, soak in water and float them onto your subject.

Although the instruments presented are designed for the aforementioned halftracks, they could easily be utilised for other vehicles.

Six sets of dial faces are catered for, so you are not likely to run out of them in a hurry.
Included items are oil and pressure gauges, a speedometer, wheel position indicator and of course a rev-counter.

The instruction sheet is excellent regarding the general placement of these items but should be used as a guide only.

AR35215 compliments the above by providing all the necessary placards to be found in this area. Forty seven items are presented in total with the least repetitive item being the manufacturer’s plates of which three are supplied.

The sizes of each type are varied and whether you need a gear stick position indicator or a genetic information plaque, you’re sure to find it here.

All of the items are faithfully reproduced and are not merely generalizations.
The printing is exceptional with my examples being in perfect register.
Previous experience has found the product easy to use, thanks to the flat surfaces that these will be applied to.

It is recommended that a clear protective coat is applied after application as this will save the items from potential damage. Gloss acrylics work best for this type of product and many of the other formulas should cause no harm. Be weary of those that are lacquer based though as over indulgence will cause the ink to run.

Conclusion

These transfers are the ultimate for sprucing up your halftrack.

They give the driver’s compartment and surrounding area the “lift” it needs to look like a true replica of the original.

There are no registration issues and the ease of application shouldn’t pose a problem to any modeller. There are multiple renditions of each item so the products can be used for several projects.

The perfect pampering for your halftracks.

Highly Recommended

Thanks to Archer Fine Transfers for the review samples