1:72 Su-85m/Su-100 Part II

SU-85M and SU-100 1:72 - a decal sheet, part two

A decal set in 1:72 scale for models of the Soviet SU-85M and SU-100 tank destroyers. It is the second part of the Colibri Decals series on this subject, so the sheet supplements the markings from the first part and does not overlap with it. In the package is the decal sheet alone; the model, paints and varnish are not part of it.

The real subject

Both the SU-85M and the SU-100 were tank destroyers built on the chassis of the T-34 medium tank. The weapon was mounted rigidly in the front of a casemate, without a rotating turret, which made it possible to use a longer barrel while keeping the chassis. The SU-100 carried a 100 mm gun, while the SU-85M was a transitional type which combined an 85 mm gun with the newer, more heavily armored SU-100 hull and a commander's cupola. Both types derived from the same basis, so outwardly they differ mainly in the barrel and the gun mantlet.

Application tips

With small decals in 1:72 scale, trimming the carrier film helps a great deal. Before you soak a decal, trim it with a sharp scalpel or a new razor blade as closely as possible around the printing; every unnecessary millimeter of clear film is an area where a glossy rim can appear. On numerals and tactical markings cut along the outline, while for inscriptions a close rectangle is enough. Cut on a hard surface in one pass, so that the film does not fray. Trimmed decals are then less conspicuous even after a matte varnish.

Who the set is for

• Modelers building Soviet tank destroyers in 1:72 scale
• Those who already have the first part of the series and want to add to it
• Builders of dioramas with several vehicles on the T-34 chassis
• Modelers for whom the markings supplied with a kit are not enough

This is a decal sheet in its own right. The model, paints, varnish and softener are not included in the package.