introduction

One of the more amazing developments in figure modeling has been the proliferation of uniform patches, insignia, etc. It makes no sense to spend upwards of $15-$20 for a resin figure and then have no rank markings or unit badges showing. These aren't items even a master modeler can hand paint, so the proliferation of decals and dry transfers in this category is a welcome development.

Among the leaders in the field are Archer Fine Transfers. They have a large & growing line of uniform markings, and have just extended that line with two sets of US Army Corp patches (the first is reviewed here).

what you get

Inside the usual blue & white Archer Fine Transfers packaging is a sheet of three sets of 12 badges for the:

• 3rd Army
  
• 2nd Corps
  
• 6th Corps

Plus instructions and a small piece of Wet Media Paper.

review

I don't know if I can say it too often, but Archer stand out due to the excellence of their production values. These patches are tiny versions of the real thing, and they add that unique an element of authenticity to any 1/35th figure build.


Some modelers I talk with are hesitant to invest in dry transfers. Archer makes using their products easy in three ways:

• Online instructional tutorials
  
• An unquestioned replacement policy for the life of the product
  
• The clever use of Wet Media Paper

Wet Media Paper in fact is recommended by the company for all their small decal images, like uniform patches, rank insignia and instrument dials. Trying to rub these small images directly onto a plastic surface is simply not going to work.

Instead the modeler rubs that patch onto the Wet Media Paper, cuts out the image, dips it in water for a few moments, and then slides the image into the proper place like any conventional waterslide decal - with one exception: no selvage or silvering.

conclusion

The precise printing, ease of use and excellent color makes these corps and army patches a must-have for US figure builders.

Thanks to Archer Fine Transfers for providing this review sample. Be sure to mention you saw it reviewed here on Armorama when ordering yours.