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After reviewing Masterpiece Models small scale bases, I am fortunate to be able to review the inspiration behind those as well as some new items following a similar theme. This item was released several years ago and looking at it, it is hard to see how I missed it!
The set comes attractively packaged in a Ziplocİ bag in which we find the 2 resin parts, a sheet of water transfers, instructions, and four photos illustrating the versatility of the base. These photos show beautifully finished bases done as North Africa, Russia, France, and Italy. The French scene does show a sign which is not included in the set. See photo 1.
The resin parts are very well cast without any blemishes, pits and only a hint of flash. This was easily removed. It is a simple base measuring 7 inches long by 5 inches deep and a depth of 0.875 inch. It depicts a sunken road with embedded stones and plenty of wear. There is a recessed area to which one adds the wall which also shows signs of age. Photos two and three illustrate the base from the front and the rear.
Epoxy putty would be my choice to attach the wall even though the instructions call out for cyanoacrylate glue or epoxy cement. My choice for epoxy putty is to allow one to sculpt the groundwork up to the wall and be able to add elements such as static grass. See photo four and the close-up of the wall in seen in photo five.
After painting, the water transfers can be used. These are quite interesting and I hope they catch on. The decals are printed in reverse. The back of the sheet has images of the items to assist the modeler in cutting out the signage chosen for the wall. Monroe Perdu suggests using scissors instead of a knife or scalpel. After removing the desired image, peel off the protective film while being careful to hold the decal by the edges. This is important since finger oils will make it impossible to use.
After positioning, touch with a lightly moist brush so that the backing paper absorbs the water and releases the image onto the wall. Too much water will not allow for a release. Wait for 30 seconds and slowly lift the paper to ensure the image has transferred to the wall. If the image has released, you can dab lightly with water to areas where it is not snug to the wall but keep in mind that the inks are not water fast.
This may worry some but it is actually a boon. By being water soluble, the edges of the transfer disappear during the normal weathering process. Brushing with a wet medium also removes some of the opacity of the image creating a realistic fading effect. Can you imagine having these transfers for North African vehicle markings? Should you make a mistake, use Isopropyl Alcohol to remove the image and choose another.
This is an excellent set. The included photos are inspirational, the leftover transfers a superb and this item is highly recommended! My thanks go to Monroe Perdu for allowing me this set and answering questions about the decals.
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