Home >
Reviews >
USA >
Archer Transfers Various - March 2007 releases
Archer Fine Decals - Various
Reviewed by Cookie Sewell
Summary
Stock Number, Scale, Description &
Price
Archer Fine Transfers new releases
AR49017; US Ambulance Markings (1/48), price US$8.95
AR49018; Miscellaneous US Medic Markings (1/48), price US$6.95
AR35233; OIF Signage (1/35), price US$7.95
AR49019; U.S. 2 ½ Ton 6 x 6 Truck Generic Markings (1/48), price $4.95
AR35236; U.S. 2 ½ Ton 6 x 6 Truck Generic Markings (1/35), price US$7.50
AR49020; T-26 Pershing Tank Generic Markings (1/48), price US$6.95
AR35237; T-26 Pershing Tank Generic Markings (1/35), price US$5.50
AR35238; 80' ELCO Torpedo Boat (Sheet 1); price US$13.50
AR35239; 80' ELCO Torpedo Boat (Sheet 2); price US$15.95
Media and Contents:
Rub down decals
Review Type:
First Look
Advantages:
Still the best in dry transfers and on top
of the new releases
Disadvantages:
Recommendation:
Highly Recommended for the appropriate
armor fans
FirstLook
I am a bit remiss, as by accident I missed the packet of new
releases sent to me by Archer Fine Transfers so this review will
cover the two latest sets of releases by Archer.
The first two sets are for 1/48 US ambulances and medical support
details.
Set 49017 covers markings for a
single ambulance, and is essentially a reduced size version of the
original set produced for 1/35 scale some time ago. It is nicely
done and covers the major red cross markings as well as the
"ambulance" signs for front and rear of the vehicle. Set 49018 are
very handy, as they are generic US medical signs and markings, such
as armbands and helmet flashes, first aid kit markings, and both
camp signs and container markings. While thus far I have to say I
have not seen an ambulance kit in 1/48, the markings are also useful
for 1/35 scale as many repainted vehicles used smaller and less
conspicuous markings instead of regulation ones.
Set 35233 is a bit of a departure for Archer, as these are signs for
current use in Iraq and are printed on single sided stick-on labels.
This is a good way to do these
signs, as the modeler may transfer them to 0.010" sheet styrene for
stiffness and still get a reasonably thin sign to simulate either
plywood or foamboard. The markings, research provided by SFC Jeffrey
DeRosa of the 10th Mountain Division, cover signs currently found
near US bases in Iraq. They cover warning signs for Coalition
vehicles (e.g. do not approach), a heat index board, control point
warnings, warning signs for US troops (e.g. clear your weapons
here), local authority indicators, and one which tells Strykers with
bar armor arrays installed not to park in this lot (they take up too
much room!)
Sets 49019 and 35236 are identical to each other with the exception
of scale. They provide a number of basic markings such as starts,
warning messages painted on the vehicle, size and weight (D-Day
shipping data), and all basic stenciling; there are also bumper
codes and serials for two specific vehicle, one from the 537th AAA
Battalion and one from the 3886th Transportation Battalion (Red Ball
Express.)
Both come with a small sheet of
waterslide transfers as a supplement for ammo train and convoy lead
vehicle placards. Research for these sets was provided by Norm
Samuelson.
Sets 49020 and 35237 are also identical to each other with the
exception of scale. Both sheets provide full generic markings for a
T26E3 Pershing tank as supplied in WWII and cover the stars, basic
and detail stenciling, as well as shipping codes for Antwerp ("Zebra
Mission") and follow-up shipments to Germany as well as the tanks
shipped to Okinawa. No bumper codes are included.
Sets 35238 and 35239 are a bit outside of my personal scope of
interest, but many armor guys are sheepishly admitting they
purchased the big Italeri PT boat. These two sheets offer markings
for different boats. Set 35238 provides hull numbers with shadowing
for two boats, PT-588 and PT-596, as well as a correct 3' x 5'
48-star ensign. A supplemental instruction sheet explains Woody
Vondracek's method for making a flag, which having personally seen
him demonstrate it, works well in creating a realistic flag for the
mast. Set 35239 is similar but provides markings for PT-523 and
PT-579, as well as a "star and bar" deck identification marking for
the boat as well as the 3' x 5' ensign. While no paint or finishing
suggestions are provided, other than paint scheme and boat equipment
markings location is not hard to determine based on the original
kit's markings. Research for these sets was supplied by Gregory
Knowles.
All in all, a nice selection of markings and ones which will find
some appreciative audiences.