1:35 Canadian Universal Carriers

Decals 1:35: Canadian Universal Carriers (Print Scale)

A sheet of waterslide decals in 1:35 scale with the markings of Canadian Universal Carriers. It is not a kit: the model of the carrier needs to be obtained separately, and in 1:35 scale there are several of them on the market.

The real subject

The Universal Carrier is a light tracked armored vehicle of British origin, which became one of the most widespread carriers of the Second World War. An open-topped hull, a low silhouette and decent mobility made it a universal carrier: it transported machine gun teams, mortars, anti-tank rifles, ammunition supplies and the wounded. Besides Britain it was also built in Canada, and in large series; Canadian units went through the theaters in Italy and in northwestern Europe with it. The markings of Canadian vehicles differed from the British ones in details that on a model can be rendered precisely by decals: divisional signs, production and registration lettering.

Application tips

The decals hold only on a glossy base. Spray the place where the decal is to go with a gloss varnish, therefore, and let it cure. Cut the motif off closely around the edge, soak it for a few seconds in lukewarm water and leave it to rest until it slides off the paper by itself. Seat it with a brush and soak the excess water up. The hull of the Universal Carrier is broken up, so across rivets, stiffeners and edges use a decal softener, otherwise the film will bridge the surface and start to silver. At the end unify the whole model with a matte or semi-matte varnish, and only then apply dust and mud.

Who the sheet is for

• modelers building Allied equipment of the Second World War in 1:35 scale
• those interested in Canadian units in Italy and in northwestern Europe
• builders of dioramas who want to give a vehicle a particular affiliation
• modelers with basic experience of waterslide decals