Bison Decals

Sherman NWE
WW2 British Shermans Pt.1
1/35th Decal Sheet BD-35010
Review by Peter Brown

Printed to a high standard for Bison by Microscale Industries, this sheet offers complete decals for six different Sherman variants used by British forces in North West Europe. Most of the of items are on their own individual section backing film so saving the need to cut them out, though a few small details are on small separate offcuts which do need be cut out. All items have a glossy finish so will need a top coat of matt varnish.

Full markings for each subject vehicle are included, with unit and tactical signs, serials, names, bridge class marks and white stars as appropriate. Line drawings show where the markings go with numbers cross-referenced to a layout sheet. Colour notes are given, as well as a list of the sources used so modellers can check photos of the original vehicles for details of stowage etc.

Subjects covered are -

A: Sherman V Crab of 22nd Dragoons, in Normandy, 1944
B: Sherman V 'CASTLE DANGEROUS' from 79th Armoured Division in France, 1944
C: Sherman V Crab 'GOOSE GIBLETS' of 1st Lothians and Border Horse later in the NW Europe campaign, 1944/45
D: Sherman I M4 'HELMDON' of Northamptonshire Yeomanry in France, 1944.
E: Sherman V Observation Post of Essex Yeomanry in Holland, 1944-45
F: Sherman III 'AKILLA' of Nottinghamshire Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, June 1944

Base kits for most would be the Dragon M4A4, either the older release 6035 or 6041 less the rockets or one of the Firefly versions 6031, 6121 or 6182 converted to 75mm standard or a combination using plastic and resin, with the Crab needing a lot more work. The Sherman I is easier, Tamiya's "Early M4" kit with suitable British additions such as the stowage box on the turret rear or again assembled from aftermarket items.

Whatever the kit, good markings for different finishes for British tanks in the European campaign. Although they are designed for specific subjects, several items could be adapted for other vehicles with additional research. Well produced and presented, these are a welcome addition to the British tank enthusiast.

Highly recommended.

See the Bison Decals website for full details of this and coming decal sheets.
Thanks to Johan from Bison Decals for the review samples.

Page 18 December 2004

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