Echelon Fine Details ALT352006 Decals for 1/35 Lees & Grants (Burma & North Africa)

Water-slide Decals

Starting off with the British Lees in Burma, covering five known names in total. These long-barreled Lees belonged to the 150th Regiment RAC, which were reinforced with cannibalised M3 Stuart parts and Valentine tracks.

Next comes the ellusive "Atlanta II", whose marking colours are questionable due to its unknown unit identity. Red or yellow, you make the call. The details of the tank name has been fully captured.

The Scots Greys were active in North Africa. "April V" and "Allysloper" were two of their Grants, along with "Aigreadsios II" (Airgeadsios mispelt, incomplete marking). All were named after famous race horses of that time period (thanks to Ken Jones for his splendid research effort!)

The remaining options are Aussie's 2/9th Regiment Grant, an M3A2 chassis with interesting Australian army camouflage, 1st AD (UK) Grant with the famous blue-squared "8" (complete with WDN), and 3rd CLY's uniquely-marked pair of Grants ("Defiance III" and "Stowford"). Ken Jones aptly called "Defiance III" a "moving billboard" as it was painted with sorts of markings on its front fenders.

How to apply water-slide decals:
1. Preparation: to achieve better result, a gloss or semi-gloss coat is very important. It will make a smooth layer which the decals will suction to and make it much easier to apply and set them.
2. Cut out the decal you need (do it on cutting mat)
3. Grab the decal with tweezers, place it on the surface of the water and leave it for about 20 seconds.
4. Remove the decal from the water and place it on paper towel to remove any excess water.
5. Apply decal solution to the part where the decal is to be placed.
6. Slide the decal off the backing paper on to the model. Using a paint brush or cotton bud is a good way to do this without damaging the decal.
7. Use the brush, knife or cotton bud to position the decal. Using your paper towel, gently dab the decal and soak up the excess water (decal softner is also recommended at this stage. After applying softner, the decal will suction to the part and flatten out smooth.)
8. When the decal is completely dry, give another coat of varnish or Klear/Future to seal it.