Introduction

With the release of a number of early armoured fighting vehicles from major manufacturers following the centenary of World War One, the after-market companies have scrambled to provide us with more finishing options. One of the newer after market companies is FC Modeltips who have released two decal sheets for 1/35th scale models of the Schneider CA-1 and Renault FT-17. FC Modeltips does have other items of interest in their range that will be covered in future reviews.

Contents

These decal sheets are supplied in a clear re-sealable plastic bag. Both decal sheets are supplied with a sheet of paper that has been printed on both sides. The printed paper shows clearly the placement of the decals to your model.

Review

I will start with some comments on the packaging of these products. I like the fact that the packaging can be reused to seal the unused decals securely and safely. The only down side is that without a stiffener being used during postage they could be damaged via bends and creases.

The Renault FT-17 decal sheet specifically covers vehicles used during the Morocco War and the Spanish Civil War. The decals provided cover 10 Renault FT-17’s from these two conflicts. The decals for the Schneider CA-1 also covers vehicles used during the Morocco War and the Spanish Civil War and covers 6 vehicles from 1922 to 1936. One thing I will commend FC Modeltips for, is that from the outset they are very clear when best guess has had to be used due to no images of an area being available. Not all companies are as open. I am unable to comment on the accuracy of these decals, but the honesty of the manufacturer on where best guess has been used imbues me with faith or trust in the accuracy of the product.

The decals themselves are very good as they are thin and are cleanly printed, when I say thin, I cannot feel the decals on the backing paper. The carrier film on the decals is minimal except where the design dictates otherwise, however if used with a setting solution even this film should be easily hidden.

Conclusion

As my first introduction to FC Modeltips I am quite impressed with the quality of these two products , and while I do not have a current use for these decals I would happily purchase further decals from FC Modeltips on the back of these two products.