Product Review: Archer Fine Transfer dry transfer markings sheets AR35228, Modern German National Insignia (1985 to the present); US $7.95 AR35229, Modern German National Insignia (pre 1985); US $7.95 AR35230, M2/M3 Halftrack instruments and placards, US $8.95 AR35231, M2 Halftrack, 2nd Armored Division 41st Armored Infantry, Operation Cobra July 1944, US $6.95 AR35232, M2A1 Halftrack, 10th Armored Division, 61st Armored Infantry, Germany Spring 1945; US $4.95
Advantages: best dry and dry/wet transfers going; again provide for different variants of recently introduced 1/35 scale kits and upgrades to German armor markings
Disadvantages: none noted
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for the appropriate armor fans
Woody Vondracek continues to deliver really nice and useful markings, and his latest five sheets are as usual good choices and outstanding execution.
Set AR35228 covers the correct sizes of Bundeswehr marking in service since 1985, which is basically when the Germans converted over to the new three-color standardized NATO camouflage scheme of brown, black and olive green. 26 items in different sizes are provided for combat vehicles.
Set AR35229 provides the correct sizes of Bundeswehr makings for the
1955 to 1985 period, when German armor was basically all their equivalent of olive drab. As they are larger, there are only 20 items on this sheet.Set AR35230 is very handy. What many modelers may not realize is that the dashbord in most halftracks did not use military standard instruments, but commercial units supplied by White Motors and as such were more of a white or aluminum color with four gauges in one housing. This sheet provides sufficient dash panel markings for four vehicles, as well as placards and even the "White" logo in script. Details cover the ignition switch, speed limit warning, and manufacturer's data plate for the "Foam Lux" fire extinguisher.
Set AR35231 provides a targeted set of markings for M2 tactical number I-7, I (Item) Company, 3rd Battalion, 41st Armored Infantry Regiment, during Operation Cobra in July 1944. Specific finishing details are included.
Set AR35232 provides a targeted set of markings for M2A1 C-25, C Company, 61st Armored Infantry Battalion, 10th Armored Division, in Germany during spring 1945. Specific finishing details are included.
All of the sheets are done to Archer's traditional fine standards, and researchers are credited where they provided info. 228 and 229 had research contributed by Thomas Hartwig, 230 by Norm Samuelson, and 231 and 232 by Pat Stansell.
Overall, these are well done and well timed, and should prove handy to modelers looking to get beyond the box decals.
Thanks to Woody Vondracek for the review samples.
Cookie Sewell