1:35 Decal German Crosses WWII (part 2)

1:35 Decal German Crosses WWII (part 2) – decals from HAD models

A decal set in 1:35 scale with the German national cross of the Second World War period. It is an accessory for military vehicle models, not a kit: the decals are applied to a model that is already built and painted. The name states that this is the second part of a numbered series; the first part comes from the same base name. The maker is the Hungarian brand HAD models.

The markings

At that time the cross was the basic recognition marking of German equipment and was carried by vehicles and aircraft alike. On ground vehicles its form changed during the war: from the version with a solid dark center and a light outline through outline-only variants to small crosses sprayed through a stencil over the camouflage. The size and the placing differed according to the type of vehicle, the factory and the period. That is exactly why a period photograph is the best guide when building a particular machine. The contents of this part of the series are stated on its packaging, so make your choice according to the subject you are building.

Applying the decals

A decal holds only on a smooth base. Go over the place with gloss varnish first, cut the motif out as close to the edge of the printing as you can and soak it in warm water for just a few seconds. Once it is settled with a soft brush, blot the water away with a paper tissue and let it dry thoroughly. A decal softener helps the film cling to rivets and engraved lines. Finally go over the whole model with matte varnish so that the edges of the film disappear.

Who the set is for

• Builders of German vehicles in 1:35 scale
• Modelers whose box lacks the markings for the variant they have chosen
• Dioramas with several vehicles, where more crosses are needed
• A replacement for damaged or yellowed decals from older kits