Firestorm Models have released a new range of dry transfers for Australian and Israeli armour. These include decals for Centurions, Matildas, and Merkavas.

A total of five sets of dry transfers have been released by Firestorm Models from Sydney. Firestorm is probably reasonably well known to Australian modellers, but I believe, less so overseas. For some time now, they have sold a good range of armour accessories by other firms as well as their own home produced product, and have now added their own dry transfers to the range.

The sets which have been released are as follows:

FS35162 Merkava Mk III "MAHATZ"

A full set of markings as required, including the hull, turret, mudguards, turret basket and armoured skirts.

FS35167 Merkava Mk IV

The markings in this set cover two separate tanks, one with the chevron markings pointing forward and the other with them pointing down. I won't try to translate the other markings as I don't speak Hebrew!

FS35157 Australian Centurions in Vietnam

Some of the names applied to Australian Centurions in Vietnam were colourful, to say the least, and this is reflected in this set, which allows the modeller to make any one of three different vehicles - "Pussy Eater", "Been Seen and Done", and "Birth Controller". Vehicle names (which were usually applied to the gun barrel), vehicle numbers, unit flashes, first aid box labels and turret numbers are included.

FS35187 Australian CS Matilda "Beaugest IV"

These markings cover an Australian close support Matilda of the 2/4 armoured regiment, which was used on Bouganville in March 1945. The set includes weight disc, vehicle name and numbers, unit signs, division flashes, and some very small markings such as "Fording Height".

FS35183 Australian CS Matilda "Courageous"

This vehicle was used at Wewak and Madang in New Guinea in September 1944, and the set provides all of the required markings, but not as many as the previous set.

References:

Most of the sets include references to authenticate the markings, and a list of models suitable for application of the markings.

Application:

As these are dry transfers, they are applied simply by rubbing down with a pencil or similar. I tried a sample from each set, and they applied very easily. After rubbing down with the supplied silicone based paper, the marings were there to stay. The markings, once aplied, are very crisp and clear, with no trace whatsoever of carrier film.

Definitely the equal of a certain US company who also makes dry transfers.

I tried applying Micro Sol over the markings, and observed no adverse effects.

For modellers looking for some less common markings, these are well worth while. Firestorm has a world wide mailing service, and the web site is www.firestormmodels.com