BISON DECALS
BD-35091, Tigers of s.SS-Pz.Abt.101. 1/35th-scale water-slide decals with instructions.
The use of the Tiger I in Normandy, especially those of s.SS-Pz.Abt.101, created quite a stir amongst those Allied tankers on the receiving end of their attentions. Wittmanns legend was also created at about that time, making for some fine modeling subjects, especially for those who have any of the latest DML kits. Thus, there are markings for the following nine schwere Panzer:
Befehls-Tiger I, '009' Stabs kompanie.
Tiger I, late production, '112,' 1.Kp., Villers-Bocage.
Tiger I, mid production, '131', 1.Kp.
Tiger I, late production, '205', 2.Kp., road to Normandy.
Tiger I, late production, '221', 2.Kp., road to Normandy.
Tiger I, late production, '222', 2.Kp., June 14, outside Villers-Bocage.
Tiger I, late production, '231', 2.Kp., June 14, outside Villers-Bocage.
Tiger I, mid production, '331', 3.Kp.
Tiger I, mid production, '334', 3.Kp.
The markings consist of three-digit tactical numbers in a variety of colors, Balkenkreuze national insignia, unit insignia and Panzer rhomboid company insignia. The Tac numbers come in a variety of colors (red, blue, green, yellow and white), some of which are outlined in white; others are outlined in yellow. Several sets of white outlines are also provided, since the actual outline colors are open to interpretation. Naturally, this provides quite a colorful range of options; indeed modeling several tanks from the same company is a distinct possibility. Typical for the time and location, these tanks are all finished in Dunkelgelb base with Rotbraun and Olivgrün camouflage patterns in various styles.
The instructions are nicely laid out as half-tone drawings; they often feature more than one full view, as well as some scrap views. Features seen on specific tanks are depicted as is the application of Zimmerit (hint: all of these tanks had the anti-magnetic mine paste). In addition, sub-types are accurately designated. Camouflage patterns are also shown, and references are listed. Finally, a map is included that shows the designs as they appear on the sheet, with their superimposed alpha-numeric identifiers. These correspond to the call-outs for each tank in the instructions. This is quite handy and takes much of the guess-work out of the process.
The designs are printed by Begemot, Bisons usual supplier. The quality is excellent, with good color saturation, proper registration and crisply-detailed edges. The carrier film is matte and cut close to the edges of the designs.
The quality, accuracy and options are all there as well, making this a rather comprehensive set.
If the modeler is a dyed-in-the-wool Tiger fanatic, this sheet should prove to please.
Highly recommended.
Bison products are available at retail and mail order shops. For more information, visit: www.angelfire.com/pro/bison.
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