BISON DECALS
BD-35062, British Sherman Mk.III in North Africa. 1/35th-scale water-slide decals for six models (plus a variation), with instructions.
Along with cast hull M4A1s (Sherman Mk.II), the British 8th Army received a number of early versions of the diesel-powered M4A2, which they named Sherman Mk.III. This companion sheet to 35061, also reviewed here at ToT, will allow the modeler to mark six complete tanks, with a variation for the well-known Cocky of 41st RTR.
Sherman III, 'Bacchus', 47th RTR, 24th Armoured Brigade, October 1942.
Sherman III, 'Dover', HQ 24th Armoured Brigade, October 1942.
Sherman III, 'Cocky', 41st RTR, 24th Armoured Brigade, October 1942.
Sherman III, 'Cocky', Royal Scots Greys, 4th Light Armoured Brigade, December 1942.
Sherman III, 'Benghazi', 41st RTR, 24th Armoured Brigade, October 1942.
Sherman III, The Queen's Bays, 2nd Armoured Brigade, April 1943.
Sherman III, 'Furious II', The Queen's Bays, 2nd Armoured Brigade, early 1943.
Much like the Mk.IIs, these tanks were also finished in the colors that prevailed at the time, to include Desert Pink with Dark Green patches and white counter-shading, as well as Light Stone overall or with a Blue-Black pattern. The manufacturers web site, as an example of the advantages the internet gives us, already includes the following corrections to some descriptions: Please note that alternative A, Bacchus' belonged to 47th RTR, and that alternative C1 and C2, Cocky most likely only belonged to 41st RTR. (My thanks to Peter Brown for these corrections). For more information and color images of the designs and instructions, see Bisons site at
http://www.angelfire.com/pro/bison/35062.html.
The typical markings seen at the time include Arm-of-Service insignia, Squadron signs and divisional/brigade insignia. Other things such as bridging circles and War Department census numbers can also be seen. What sets most of these tanks apart from the crowd are the large names seen on the rear of the hull plates, sometimes on a white panel.
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 two 8 x 11.5-inch sheets of paper and are in monotone. The modeler is given a web address (see above) 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.
Yet again, the modeler is given the opportunity to produce a replica of a British tank in North Africa, using markings other than what is provided in the DML kit. This Bison sheet is well-researched, well-produced and quite reasonably priced.
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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