Archer Fine Transfers

Surface Details #13, Raised Panel Lines

Sheet Number: AR88013, multi-scale

Reviewed by  John Ratzenberger, IPMS# 40196

MSRP: $14.95 www.archertransfers.com Bottom Line Up Front: Holy Paradigm Shift, Batman, you want raised panel lines on the Batmobile? Cool!!! And this is like shifting paradigms without a clutch!!! Like many, I've developed an almost Pavlovian (or is it Lady Macbethian?) response to raised panel lines and here Archer wants me to put 'em back ??? Review: Archer Fine Transfers have released a series of nifty surface details that are resin detail on a decal film. These are applied like decals then painted over. They are great for weld seams, panels, rivets, fasteners, etc. These come in a small envelope with a header card and set of instructions. One thing to not take literally is the instructions to "apply under paint" -- they really mean to "paint over them" ... else I've got this whole review wrong... This particular set provides raised panel lines. The actual sheet of decals measures 2-1/2" x 4". As you can see there are 3 "thick" lines, 10 "medium" lines, and 18 "thin" lines on the sheet. This is a pretty good distribution, although I'd tend to think that a few less "medium" and a few more "thin" would be better.

OK, I know these are probably for armor kits and such, but I just happened to be converting an Airfix 1/72 Hurricane I to an early version with fabric wings, Watts-prop, etc, and decided to use these to simulate wing ribs. I used the thicker lines for ribs under the wing center section, medium lines from the gun bays to the ailerons, and thin lines in the outer/aileron section. No good reason, just to see what all three looked like. In 1/72, the thick and medium are too big (and will probably come off) but the thin lines are great. The decals are easy to use, pretty forgiving, but have some quirks -- here are my lessons learned: -- They come off in water very quickly, don't try to work more than a couple at a time. -- Don't trim them close or they might not stick well - cut right down the middle between lines. -- You don't have to worry about exact length; they can be trimmed with a razor blade later. -- They move around quite well -- unlike decal marking lines, these have some rigidity and will maintain their straight line shape while being pushed, even sideways -- very handy indeed. -- Although not necessary, I recommend Micro-Set/Sol to lock them down. -- they are a bit fragile and may break or lift off, so I recommend a quick coat of paint to further seal them in before doing further work with the model. -- You can carefully sand them to reduce profile, but only with the line, not across. Again, I recommend a coat of paint to help lock them down before you sand on them. Use a very fine sanding stick and be gentle - like all fine resin, they sand down quickly. Anyway, here are a couple pictures of my Hurricane wing, now fabric-covered. Yes, I have some clean-up to do, I just got them on then over-sprayed to hide all the guide marks I had laid down ...

Summary: I used these on an airplane, but I think it obvious they could be used anywhere a raised line is needed. You can add, change, repair, and replace lines with relative ease. You can do a lot with one package, so the price isn't all that bad. These are a keeper and I've got a few more packages on order. Highly recommended!!! I would like to thank Archer Fine Transfers and Patrick Keenan of WarWheels.net for providing this review sample.

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