It's hard enough trying to figure out how to paint modern US military uniforms, but what really stands out for any figure is the tiny insignia. To aid the modeler, few aftermarket decal sheets emerged on the market providing just that. Its a quick and easy way to personalize and add more detail to your scale figures. This is a review of Alliance Model Works decal set LW35068 Modern US ARMY Uniform Insignia set.
Review
The sheet includes ranks, unit markings, helmet insignias and few other decorative markings to depict both US Army and Marine members. It is also intended to be used for ACUPAT and MARPAT uniforms. The packaging is in a standard zip-lock bag and holds a set of instructions printed on a single piece of paper and the decal sheet.
The instructions are quite important as it describes what markings are where on the sheet. This may sound unimportant, but when dealing with the huge number of small marking, one can get confused really fast. This is really a good thing. Each segment on the instructions is color coded and appropriately described to aid in quick finding of markings in need. Few notes are also present giving the modeler information about positioning of the Velcro rank patches, officer ranks, marine unit patches and NKA (No Known Allergies) patches.
The decals are grouped according to the instructions in the following sections:
US Army Velcro rank patches (ACUPAT)
Tan color rank patches
Airborne insignia
ACR
Helmet rank sew-on insignia
Low visibility American flags
IR American flags
Marines insignia
Armor units
Shoulder Velcro
Airborne helmet patches
Ranger and Sapper patches
SEAL badges
Helmet bands
Starting from the bottom, the helmet bands are printed in two colors tan and olive drab (7x each). This is an easy solution in getting the perfect straight on the band if youre not confident in your painting skills. The Special Warfare insignia, also known as the SEAL Trident is one of the most recognizable military badges of the United States Navy. It is given in two tones, gold and black (5x each). Due to the really small size of this marking, it is almost unrecognizable, but still when placed on a figure and in context it will be recognized for what it is. Shoulder Velcro tabs are given in two tones, again OD and tan (12x OD, 3x tan) and should be measured to see if they fit your figures. If too long its easy to snip off a bit. Also a nice touch is the ACUPAT blood type markings. 6 individual markings can be used to personalize your scale warriors. Ranger and sapper tabs are also featured with 12 ranger tabs and 16 sapper tabs in desert tan color. The lettering is really small and almost unrecognizable due to the size, but the shape of the markings is a dead giveaway. Marines insignia is featured with the eagle, globe and anchor patches in two sizes and colors; gold and black, (5x big, 5x small). Also present are the U.S. MARINES chest patches (9x each) and rank markings (4x each) from Private First Class to Master Gunnery Sergeant. Armor units are also present with 1st, 2nd, 3rd armored divisions (3x each, black markings) and three more units (which Ive been unable to identify). There are also 9 ISAF patches in ACUPAT which are not mentioned in the instructions, but are a nice touch. US flags are depicted as following: 12x IR flags (6x right, 6x left shoulder orientation), 12x low-visibility flags (6x right, 6x left shoulder orientation). The stars are not quite visible, but the macro photos reveal that they are present. Army tan color and ACUPAT rank patches are presented with 2x markings (tan) and 4x each (ACUPAT) for enlisted ranks (Private E-2 to Sergeant Major of the Army) and officer ranks (Second Lieutenant to Lieutenant General). Also here are 8 chest U.S. ARMY markings as well as 7 empty ones. Airborne shoulder insignia is provided for 101st, 82nd Airborne Division, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 18th Airborne Corps and Special Forces Airborne patch. 101st also has helmet patches provided (4x each unit). Armored Cavalry Regiment units are represented by 3x each unit marking for 3rd, 11th, and 278th, Armored Cavalry Regiment, 67th Armor Regiment and a few others.
Unit markings are the biggest group and feature 3x each of the following units:
There are probably more markings Ive been unable to identify, but this just shows the number of options. The carrier film is thin and each decal is separate so the modeler doesnt have to worry about cutting near other decals.
Conclusion
The biggest gripe I have with this set is the lacking instructions. I would have liked if the text included a list of the units and their positions on the sheet. There are a lot of markings not mentioned at all so please look carefully, because what you need may be on the sheet. It would make identification a whole lot easier. Also there seems to be some offset of the white background from the decals but this might be just my sample.
On the plus side, its especially nice to see markings for the USMC and SEAL teams and some Army SF. This is a very welcome sheet for the modern figure modeler.
SUMMARY
Highs: A huge number of markings, variety of options, addition of UMSC, SEAL, SF markings, thin carrier film.Lows: Lacking instruction, no placement guide, some markings are not mentioned at all, offset from the white background on some decals in my sample.Verdict: Great set to personalize and enhance detail of your scale warriors.
Our Thanks to Alliance Modelworks! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
Thanks for the update. I found (under macro snaps) that you can even read the text on some (i.e. "Old Ironsides") markings and the flag stars are really something that I haven't seen before. It's really that small.
As far as the instructions, it's good to hear that the list of units will be available on your homepage as I feel it's necessary with the amount of decals on the sheet. I really think this is a very welcome and well done product.
Hey Mario and Brian- I have this set aswell, I must say its very nice. I think I got the old instruction sheet too though. Can't wait to try them out on some figs.
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