Decalomaniacs! British Markings 1, The BEF (DM033)

by Frank De Sisto

Waterslide decals in 1/35th-scale. Price: $8.00 USD, plus shipping.

Continuing their quest for the unusual, this manufacturer has begun a series of markings for British AFVs in WW2, in this case, those used by the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in France during 1939 and 1940.

This sheet contains the following: a pair each of squadron signs (diamond, circle, square and triangle) in four different colors (red, white, blue, yellow) for a total of 32 items. Divisions covered include: 1st Armoured Division, Guards Armoured Division, 1st, 3rd and 4th Infantry Divisions, 51st Highland Division and the 13/18 Hussars Regiment. In each case there are markings for at least two vehicles (three for the 1st Armoured Division). Arm of Service (AoS) flashes are provided for 13 different regiments, while there are also 12 yellow bridging circles with separate black classification numbers. Finally, pairs of white registration (“census”) numbers are provided for 36 vehicles. These include “T” (for tanks and carriers) and “F” (for wheeled AFVs) prefixes.

Printing is nicely done as is registration on the smaller divisional signs. Color saturation is slightly on the “light” side, especially in the reds and greens on the AoS flashes. However, this actually works in the modeler’s favor since the colors can be said to be “in scale”. The printing is done on paper that features a continuous clear backing, so each marking will need to be carefully trimmed before immersion in water. The instructions contain charts that detail what marking goes where on this generic sheet, and references are given. It is strongly suggested that the modeler consult them for best results.

Again, another nice one from those New Jersey screw-balls.

Recommended.

All white items on the decal sheets are shown in black for clarity.

Decalcomaniacs! products are available direct from the manufacturer in care of: Georg Eyerman, 315 South Avenue, Garwood, NJ, 07027, USA. Web site: www.decalcomaniacs.net, e-mail: decals@decalcomaniacs.net.