BISON DECALS
BD-35097, Chinese Armour in the 1930-40s. 1/35th-scale water-slide decals for eight complete models, with instructions.
One of the best things about Bison is that the proprietor, Johan Lexell, likes unusual subjects. This can be discerned by just a casual perusal of his catalog; along with the usual suspects, like Shermans and Germans, he can be counted on for something different. And, what could be more so than the subject of Chinese tanks from the 1930s and 40s ? Therefore, Bison has come up with a sheet of markings for the following eight (not 11 as stated on the instructions) tanks:
PzKpfw.I Ausf.A, 3rd Tank Battalion, Nanking, 1937.
Two different T-26 Model 1933s, 200th Mechanized Division, Chin-Chen-Chiang, 1942.
Vickers 6-ton tank (single turret), 1st or 2nd Tank Battalion, Shanghai.
Vickers 6 ton tank (twin turret), 1st or 2nd Tank Battalion, Shanghai.
Type 94 tankette (captured from Japanese).
Two different Vickers/ Carden-Lloyd amphibious tanks, 1st Tank Battalion, Shanghai.
Every subject is in some sort of three-color camouflage scheme, of the type in vogue in the 1930s, albeit with a national character. For instance, the Pz.Kpfw.I is in its original German colors, while the Type 94 is in its original Japanese colors. The T-26 are painted as would be a Soviet tank, while the V/C-L tanks have the factory schemes. Markings include the Chinese national insignia, tactical numbers, registration numbers and Chinese characters. All, in all, these markings and colors will help the modeler produce a replica with a difference..
Most of these tanks, except for maybe the V/C-L amphibian, are available in kit form from several different manufacturers, so there are platforms for these markings, which is quite sensible; unique markings are useless without em! For a closer look at the product, go here:
http://www.angelfire.com/pro/bison/35097.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 and one-half 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 order to help with design placement, a map is given, which cross-references the designs with an alpha-numeric call-out.
This set is perfect for modelers interested in the inter-war and early-war era on the Asian mainland. The product is of fine quality and modestly priced, while there is an adequate supply of subject kits. Sort of like the Yin/Yang thing
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.
Visit frankdesisto.com
Delete abwehr 2x from email address.
