Introduction

Firestorm Models has recently come on the scene offering a line of 1/35 dry-transfer markings for Australian vehicles. This latest set, FS35161, is designed for Australian M113s serving in the Vietnam conflict in Southeast Asia.

Review

The set comes packaged in a small zip-lock style bag with a single small square sheet of markings for three different vehicles fitted with the .50 cal MG with gun shield as opposed to those fitted with the T-50 turret (the instructions also note that another follow-on set will be released soon to deal with that variant). Included in the package is a small instruction sheet that calls out which markings are for the different vehicles and their respective placement. The three options included are:

1) "Pokeys Pirates" B Sqd. 1 Arm Regiment 1969
2) HQ Section, 2Trp, A Sqd 3 Cav Regt, October 1967
3) A Sqd 3 Cav Regt, January 1968

The instructions include detailed call-outs for the placement of the various markings depending on the option you select. The instructions include the following two notes corresponding to the Options that provide additional information to go with the vehicles in question: "1. There were two M113 attached to 1 Armd Regt. 2. As seen during Operation Kenmore Oct. 1967".

As with all dry-transfers, the method of application is different from water-slide decals and will require care to burnish them completely to insure a clean transfer to the desired surface. All of the markings are of a high quality printing standard with everything in register and all edges sharply defined. I tested the application with my sample and did not encounter any issues. For the larger markings, securing the transfer in place exactly as you need it before burnishing is essential to get a nice straight line and insure a clean transfer of the entire marking, but nothing out of the ordinary for those familiar with dry transfers. The sheet is quite flexible and thin and has clear red hash lines dividing up the different vehicle markings, so with careful trimming and securing it beforehand, problems can be minimized while still keeping the sheet largely intact for reuse on subsequent vehicles should the need arise.

Conclusion

For those who prefer dry transfers over traditional water-slide decals, this set offers that option and also provides you with 3 different vehicle options to choose from. The instructions on placement are clear and well organized and the quality of the printing is outstanding. Recommended for the Australian enthusiasts with a soft spot for the venerable M113 "bucket".