1:35 Decal German Turret numbers WWII (part 11)

German turret tactical numbers of the Second World War, part 11, 1:35 scale

The eleventh sheet from the extensive series by the Hungarian manufacturer HAD models devoted to German turret tactical numbers of the Second World War in 1:35 scale. The product is not a kit but an accessory: waterslide decals that are applied to a finished and painted model of an armored vehicle.

What the turret numbers were for

Tactical numbers on turrets made it possible to tell the individual vehicles in a formation apart. The way they were painted was not tied down to the last detail by any single regulation, so the size, the style of the digits, the color of the fill and the presence of an outline edging varied between units and over time. A modeler therefore appreciates having several patterns to choose from and being able to follow a particular period photograph instead of a general guess.

Application and tips

The procedure is standard for waterslide decals. Gloss clear coat on the place of application first, then a close cut around the design, a soak in lukewarm water, a moment for it to ease off the paper and a slide onto the model. Soak the surplus water up with a paper tissue and press the decal down gently. On pressings and rivets use a decal softener, and the film will then pull into the relief. Finally a matte or semi-matte varnish over the whole model, and only after that the weathering, so that the wash runs around the digits as well and the markings do not look new.

Who the sheet is for

• modelers of German armored equipment in 1:35 scale
• builders who work from a particular subject and need the right style of digits
• diorama builders who need to number several vehicles
• modelers looking for a wider choice than the decals in a kit offer

This is a decal sheet, not a kit. The model, paints and varnish are not included in the package.