introduction

It's amazing to me how long it has taken to get kit manufacturers to include decent decals for the instrument dials on open-cab vehicles like Tamiya's Sd.Kfz.9 (so-called FAMO after its manufacturer, Fahrzeug- und Motorenbau GmbH of Breslau). While there was an armored cab variant, the majority of the 2,500 built were used as recovery vehicles, and had open cabs.

But Tamiya neglected to put decals in the kit (don't fault them too badly, Dragon issued all of its Sd.Kfz.7 variants without dials or placards). Fortunately, Archer Fine Transfers has come to the rescue with a set of instrument dials and the placards on the interior and the engine compartment designed to help crews take care of the vehicle.

what you get

Inside the usual Archer glassine is:

2 small sheets of dry transfers
1 placement guide
1 small sheet of Wet Medium Paper

the review

Those of you who have read my other reviews of Archer dry transfers know that I consider them among the best after-market products out there. The printing is flawless, and the transfers, while tiny, go on easily with the wet medium paper. Basically, you rub the dry transfer onto the wet medium paper, cut out the image, dip in water, then place on the model.

The process is a snap, and I have had no problems with it in dozens of applications. In fact, Archer insists on using the wet medium paper rather than trying to apply the transfers directly to the model.

And if you have any problems (and I doubt you will), Archer guarantees their products unconditionally. I once had a sheet of transfers that was defective, and they sent me a replacement right away.

Finally, this sheet will supply the dials and placards for up to four kits, so either buy more models or share these with friends!

conclusion

Given that the Tamiya kit doesn't include decals for the instrument dials or the placards on the real thing, this is your only option. But what a great option it is.

Thanks to Archer Fine Transfers for supplying this review copy. Please be sure to tell them you saw the item reviewed here on Armorama when ordering from them.