1:72 DANA in foreign service

DANA in foreign service 1:72 — Brassica decals

This is a decal sheet for a model of the DANA self-propelled howitzer in 1:72 scale. It is not a kit and not accessory parts — it is a set of markings with which you transfer national insignia, numbers and legends onto a finished and painted model. According to the name the sheet is devoted to foreign service, that is to machines with operators outside the home army; markings for home machines are not part of the contents of this sheet.

The real subject

DANA is a 152 mm self-propelled gun-howitzer of Czechoslovak design, built on the wheeled chassis of a Tatra truck in an 8x8 arrangement. At the time it appeared that was an unusual solution — most self-propelled howitzers of that category stood on a tracked chassis. A wheeled chassis gives the vehicle high transfer speed on paved roads and simpler maintenance. The turret with the gun is split and the vehicle braces itself on hydraulic outriggers when firing. DANA was also exported and serves in the armed forces of several countries, which is exactly what this sheet is aimed at.

How to work with the decals

Decals always belong on a smooth glossy base — matte or satin varnish has a microscopically broken-up surface, air is trapped in it under a decal and a silvery veil forms around the motif. The procedure is simple: varnish the model with clear gloss varnish, cut the decal out as close to the motif as possible, soak it for a few seconds in lukewarm water and let it rest on a paper towel until it starts to release from the backing. Draw it onto its place with a brush, draw off the excess water and press it out with a cotton swab from the inside outwards. On a vehicle with a mass of rivets, grab handles and edges it pays to use a softener: first setting solution under the decal, then, once it is dry, softener on top, and after that leave it alone until it is dry. Seal the finished markings with varnish and only then go on with washes, pigments and a matte finish.

Who the sheet is for

• Builders of modern vehicles in 1:72 scale who want the machine in foreign colors.
• Modelers for whom the markings from the box are not enough or whose markings are worn.
• Collectors who build a comparative run of the same type with different operators.

The package holds decals only. The model, paints, varnishes and softeners are not included.