introduction

The Sd.Kfz.7 was THE standard prime mover of the Wehrmacht, and it has enjoyed a real modeling Renaissance with the release of over nine kits from Dragon and Trumpeter over the past few years. Dragon provided no instrument dial decals in its kits, and Trumpeter's were of average quality.

Fortunately, Archer Fine Transfers has released sets of dry transfers that not only provide dials where none existed (Dragon, reviewed here), but offer ones that are exceptionally well-printed. In addition are the silver-framed engine and dashboard placards meant to tell users how to take care of the Sd.Kfz.7. These are usually missing from most kits, or poorly-rendered, as in the case of the Trumpeter Sd.Kfz. 7 kits.

what you get

Inside the usual neatly-packaged Archer glassine envelope are:

2 sheets of dry transfers (one for dials & one for placards)
a small piece of Wet Medium Paper
an instruction sheet

the review

I have reviewed a box-full of Archer dry transfers, and 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. Now you might ask why a dry transfer manufacturer would be including a wet transfer method in the package.

It's because the dry transfer method works better on larger images, while smaller ones run the risk of being improperly-centered. You have to rub the dry transfer off with a pen, pencil or other dull point, and it's damned difficult doing that with small items. The other challenge is the transfer may not "take" to the model surface. Using the Wet Medium Paper basically assures you of nearly flawless decals every time.

Basically, you rub the dry transfer onto the wet medium paper, cut out the image, dip in water, then place on the model. Apply some decal setting solution and cover with a little clear coat afterwards.

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 Trumpeter kit has basic dials and almost no placards, this kit is pretty indispensable for anyone who wants a sharp-looking kit. After all, the instrument panel is wide-open, so you'll want to have the best-looking instruments you can get.

Our thanks to Archer Fine Transfers for providing this review sample. Be sure to mention you saw it reviewed here on Armorama when ordering.