introduction

I have reviewed both the MiniArt and the Master Box Mercedes 170V kits on various websites. The MiniArt kit has no decals for the instruments at all. In fact, the panel has raised details which are far too tiny for most modellers to paint. This is one of the few criticisms I had of the kit, see reviews linked below.

On the other hand, the Master Box kits do provide decals, but in comparison to these Archer replacements, they are extremely crude. Although these decals are designed to fit the MiniArt kits, I don’t see any reason why they shouldn’t fit the Master Box kits as well.

Editors Note:
According to Archer, there are enough dimensional differences between the MiniArt & Master Box kits to deem this set specifically for the MiniArt kit, and a separate offering is available for the Masterbox version.

contents

Inside the usual neatly-packaged Archer cellophane envelope:
• a sheet of dry transfers (for instruments and placards)
• a small piece of Wet Medium Paper
• an instruction sheet

review

Not only does this sheet have instrument faces, it also has manufacturers’ plates (or placards) to liven up the engine bay.

The biggest obstacle with instrument transfers is that they usually have to fit exactly into recesses or rims on the instrument panel. The problem with rub-down transfers is that you only get one go at positioning them and it is not easy to ‘get at them’ when they are in a recess of some kind to actually rub them down, especially around the edges.

This is where the Wet Medium Paper (WMP) included in the package comes in handy. In fact, Archer insists on using the WMP rather than trying to apply the transfers directly to the model.

This is what you do:
1-Rub the dry transfer onto the WMP with a pen, pencil or burnisher.

2-You then cut out the image, dip it in water, then place it on the model as you would with a normal waterslide decal. This also gives you time to position the decal correctly.

3-Apply some decal setting solution and, when dry, cover with a gloss clear coat or clear resin to form the glazing.

There is a tutorial here if you are in any doubt:
Archer Tutorial on YouTube

If you have any problems at all, Archer guarantees their products - unconditionally. If you have any complaints at all, just email them and they will send replacements straight away. I have had personal experience of this and all I can say is that Archer’s service and guarantee is second to none.

conclusion

Personally, I consider Archer transfers to be among the best after-market products on the market. This sheet contains enough transfers for six vehicles! The printing is flawless and carries a huge amount of detail, far more than can be seen with the naked eye.

Reviews:
MiniArt on Armorama

MiniArt on MSC

Master Box on Armorama