Transfers / Decals

[Tankie]

I have a bee in my bonnet regarding decals, which can make or break hours of work. My 'other' hobby is model trains where methfix and pressfix decals are available and these are superb. I think we are lagging behind a long way still in 1/16 where the decals, due to their size are crucial to the finished product. I appreciate some artistic types can successfully paint the numbers and crosses, and really have to if zimmerit finish is applied, but i'm not that good. Also, I think arguably the decal numbers, crosses etc are 'too good'. What do i mean by that? - well they are generated by graphic artists using computers, whereas the real thing was painted in the field using stencils (at best) or freehand by the crew or field workshop guys. Tamiya have a 'wavy' set of numbers on the PZ4 sheet but I think thats about it. I guess the Decals could be applied then some freehand painting over the top to give the 'right' rough finish but I haven't the nerve yet to try.
Here are my personal views on the decals available, all based on my usage- what do other people think?

Tamiya -
good quality but very limited choice

Peddinghaus -
- lots of choice, well researched, great colour density but carrier film is so thick they can end up looking like stickers.

Creeping death
- poor colour density (fairly transparent so the tank colours show through) They recommend you paint white underneath to stop the colour showing through, but how many people want to go to that effort to compensate. The font they've used for numbers is (I believe) a modern computer one so unrealistic.

Elite Armor Productions
- good quality, well reasearched, qood colour density, come with CD to show where to apply decals and different options, very difficult to source - website appears to have disappeared.

Archer
- i've never tried them but welcome anyone else's view.

[xrad]

I agree with your assesment. Since most German tank numbers and battalion/unit signatures were applied in the field or field depot, they will have a generally rougher appearance. I like to use a fine pointed brush and work from back through front on the crosses.

Some people here have done some superb numbering of turrets over tracks and track hangers.

Some have cut out very fine stencils for airbrushing of unit markings

two examples:
volvospeeds newest tank with airbrushed stencils
grim marmazette's tiger one turret

as far as decals, I have only used them for guides to scale and appearance