BISON DECALS
BD-35094, French 2eme D.B. Shermans (1). 1/35th-scale water-slide decals with instructions. Some of the most colorful markings applied to any nations tanks in the Second World War, were sported by the so-called Free French divisions that landed in France in the weeks following the June 6th invasion of Normandy. Aside from shipping markings and various registration numbers, these tanks usually wore a name, a unit insignia based on a map of France and the Cross of Lorraine, and a Tac number. Allied aerial recognition stars were also seen on the turret roofs and/or the engine decks.
This set allows the modeler to mark three well-documented tanks, which can all be based on the relevant DML M4A2 or Sherman III kit. These include:
M4A2, 'Brive la Gaillarde', of the 12eme Cuir.
M4A2, 'Champaubert', of the 501eme RCC.
M4A2, 'Tarentaise', of the 12eme RCA.
All have the various markings described above, which will make for an extremely interesting model. Additionally, the Cross of Lorraine unit insignia comes in two varieties, one of which has a lighter blue background than the other. Use this link for further details:
http://www.angelfire.com/pro/bison/35094.html
The designs are printed in Russia by Begemot. Their quality has been, and continues to be, excellent. Edges are crisp, colors are well-saturated, and registration is extremely good. Carrier film is thin, matte and cropped close to the designs edges. The instructions cover one side of an 8 x 11.5-inch sheet of paper and are in monotone. The modeler is given a web address to down-load and print a color version, but what is supplied is more than adequate to the task. In addition to placement and color notes, small details unique to the individual tank, such as stowage or track types are also noted. In order to help with design placement, a map is given, which cross-references the designs with an alpha-numeric call-out.
This is a welcome and well-researched product. Since there are very few currently available decal sheets devoted to the subject of French AFVs in the post-1940 era (and not many for that era either!), modelers who want something a bit different should seriously consider this product.
Highly recommended.
Frank V. De Sisto
Bison products are available at retail and mail order shops. For world-wide points of purchase see their web-site at: www.angelfire.com/pro/bison.
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