BISON DECALS
BD-35096, 20th New Zealand Armoured Regiment in Italy. 1/35th-scale water-slide decals for five models, with instructions.
During the Allied conquest of Italy, Great Britains Commonwealth member nations deployed substantial numbers of combat troops in-theater, among them units from New Zealand. Recently, publishers have provided long-overdue books devoted to this lesser-known aspect of the war. From these references, the after-market decal manufacturers have mined a large number of attractive markings and camouflage schemes, providing something different for the interested modeler. In that respect, Bison continues to lead the way with this latest water-slide decal sheet. It contains markings for the following four tanks and one other AFV:
M3A1 White Scout Car, Trieste, 1945.
Sherman Mk III, 'Tiger Lil', Cassino, 1944.
Sherman Mk III, 'Queen of Beauty', Bellaria, October 1944.
Sherman Mk VC Firefly, Senio River, May 1945.
Sherman Mk VC Firefly, 1945.
For a look at the instruction sheets in full color go to:
http://www.angelfire.com/pro/bison/35096.html
It would appear that the markings follow the reference books listed on the instruction sheets quite closely. Some items given for use on the decal sheets are not shown on some of the color plates, which is not an issue; just leave them off. While several of the subjects may need ringed Allied recognition stars, only one is provided. This should also not be an issue, since most modelers will have these in their spares bin. Likewise, its possible that an RAF-style roundel could have been seen on the engine deck of one subject; this is not given on the sheet.
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 each of one 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 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 yet another fine effort from Bison, being well-researched, nicely-printed and quite economical. The markings are colorful enough and different enough to warrant serious consideration by the modeler interested in the less well-represented Commonwealth nations.
Recommended.
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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