Accessory, Bison Decals BD-35093, Axis Allies #1, Russian RONA and ROA (POHA/POA)

BISON DECALS

BD-35093, Axis Allies #1, Russian RONA and ROA (POHA/POA). 1/35th-scale water-slide decals with instructions.





Many hundreds of thousands of Soviet Russians, Ukrainians, Georgians, and members of other ethnic groups, were captured by the Germans in their campaigns on the Ostfront. Not a few were completely disgusted with Communist rule and/or Russian domination of their ancestral lands. Many of those chose to fight for Germany either to free their homelands or simply to be fed and clothed; the human instinct to survive took precedence. Although initially denied a fighting role, eventually manpower shortages forced the Germans to give these dubious Allies their chance in battle. Some acquitted themselves fairly well, while others, such as the notorious Kaminski Brigade were nothing more than heavily-armed criminals. Regardless, they used AFVs of several types, some of which were uniquely-marked. Markings for eight of them are contained on this sheet as follows:


BA-10M, RONA, Kaminski Brigade.
BA-10M, ROA. Prague area May 1945.
T-34 Model 1941, 1st Division ROA. Muensingen, Germany, 1945.
T-34 Model 1941, 1st Division ROA. Prague, May 1945.
T-34 Model 1941, 1st Division ROA. Prague, May 1945.
Jg.Pz. 38 Hetzer, 1st Division ROA. Prague, May 1945.
Jg.Pz. 38 Hetzer, 1st Division ROA. Prague, May 1945.
Jg.Pz. 38 Hetzer, 1st Division ROA. Prague, May 1945.

The ex-Soviet Beutepanzer (captured, or booty armor) are finished in the usual dark Green 4BO, while the Jagdpanzer 38s are finished in a factory scheme that has been described as a winter scheme. This consisted of Oxide Red primer covered in bands of Dunkelgelb and White. There are also additional markings that can be used on T-34s, BA-10s, a BMW combination motorcycle and an additional Jagdpanzer 38 (which has a field applied two-tone scheme). The main unit markings consist of a shield design with many variations and a tri-color flash in the colors of pre-communist Russia, which served as a national insignia. Lettering and Tac numbers also appear on the sides of most subjects in one form or another.





The instructions are nicely laid out as half-tone drawings; they often feature more than one full view, as well as some scrap views. Camouflage patterns are also shown, and references are listed; helpful notations abound. The modeler is also directed to Bisons web-site, where full-color instructions can be down-loaded and printed, as needed. 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.

Its nice to see this little-understood aspect of AFV markings tackled by this manufacturer. The markings are unique and for the most part have some color, which is what those modelers who seek the unusual often appreciate. If you are one of them, check this one out.


Highly recommended.


Frank V. De Sisto


Bison products are available at retail and mail order shops. For more information, visit: www.angelfire.com/pro/bison.
Delete abwehr 2x from email.


Visit frankdesisto.com