INTRODUCTION

The 6th Panzer Division was formed in 1939 and participated in Operation Barbarossa (the German invasion of Russia in 1941). During the campaign on the Eastern Front, it was involved in the fighting at Stalingrad, Kharkov, and Kursk in the Soviet Union. As part of its “vehicle specific” release policies lately, Archer Fine Transfers is offering a set of transfers for a 6th Panzer Division Sd.Kfz. 250/9 Ausf. B. The material was researched by Roddy MacDougall.

Upon receiving the set I began doing my own research about the 6th Panzer markings, but could not locate anything showing that the provided divisional markings actually belonged to the unit. I checked through my personal reference books of World War II vehicle and armor markings and colors, but found nothing. I also checked numerous web sites by typing in several variations of the 6th Panzer Division and still found nothing. Archer Fine Transfers’ owner Woody Vondracek told me that researcher Roddy MacDougall derived these markings from photographs that are part of an upcoming book called AFV PHOTO ALBUM Vol.1, The Armoured Fighting Vehicles on Czechoslovakia territory in 1938-1968 by Marek Solar (published by Canfora Publishing). The photos were purchased from the family of the photographer, and will be appearing soon.

Since the photos are under copyright and cannot be posted or otherwise made available, I continued my research and finally found a photograph of a Light Van Phanomen Granit 1500 with the same divisional marking, with a caption stating the vehicle belonged to Pionier Battalion 57. I researched Pionier battalion 57, and learned that they were attached to the 6th Panzer Division. Through further hunting, I found that the Patton Museum has an Sd.Kfz. 251/9 with the same divisional marking.

Apparently there is an ongoing argument whether the divisional marking on the Patton Museum’s 251/9 actually belongs to the 20th Panzer Division. Looking into the 20th Panzer Division, I discovered their divisional mark was similar, however the arrow in theirs pointed up, while the arrow for the 6th Panzer Division pointed down and to the right. Until Archer is able to make those photos public, I will have to go by my research as proof that the supplied markings are in fact those of the 6th Panzer Division.

what you get

The set comes packaged in a 3” by 5” clear plastic bag with a paper identification label stapled at the top. The bag contains one sheet of transfers, one sheet of backing paper, an instruction page (which shows transfer placement, as well as a painting guide), and a heavy blue paper insert to protect the sheet of transfers. The set provides enough transfers for one vehicle.

the review

The set does provide extra transfers which include two extra divisional markings, one extra rear license plate, one extra front license plate, and one extra vehicle name (“Elfi”). Oddly, it does not include an extra set of the vehicle identification numbers. The extra transfers are nice, as they provide spares if the modeler makes a mistake when applying the markings. You can also use the extra divisional markings on a second vehicle if desired.

The transfers come on a 2” wide by 1 7/16” high carrier sheet. They’re nice and crisp, and have no flaws or blemishes, as well as good coloring. I measured the transfers and the dimensions for each are as follows:
Vehicle number 548 – 5/8” wide by 11/32 high (all numbers combined)
Vehicle name “Elfi” – 9/32” wide by 7/32 high (all letters combined)
Divisional emblem – 3/32 wide by 1/8” high
Front license plate – 17/32” wide by 3/16” high
Rear license plate – 6/8” wide by 7/32” high

The transfers provide markings which look very realistic when applied. Once on the vehicle, they leave behind no silvering which can happen with water slide decals. They can also be scratched or chipped like real paint (if desired) to provide a weathered look. The Archer Fine Transfers web site provides application instructions for their products. One thing I wish Archer would emphasize more on their site is a warning not to touch the transfers with bare fingers. As a first time user, it would be easy for a modeler to have the transfers stick to their fingers when handling them. The first time I handled dry transfers, it happened to me, so I speak of this from personal experience.

CONCLUSION

All in all, this is a very nice set of dry transfers. Archer Fine Transfers continues to provide excellent products, and this is just one of the many sets that are available. I am very impressed with the product, and would have no hesitation recommending it to others or to obtain more sets for myself.