One of the weakest products the modeling industry has is providing excellent quality decals for the Armoured modeler. Well, for some of you out there who have, or still build things with wings will know about Third Group Decals.

So far they have 10 armored subjects available (A list is below) and this is release number two out of ten so far. It comes in a zip-lock bag with two sheets, one folding out to 8 1/2"X11" giving you clear plan views for placing all the decals into your model and are to scale.

The printed matter is in Black and Gray tones however, but this is done well in my opinion. This Sheet is for the Panther Ausf. A, 5.SS PzRgt/5.SS Panzer Division "Wiking". You get enough markings for 4 Panthers and and they also give you extras, nice touch! The subjects are: White RO2, White 501, White 800 and White II011.

The instructions give you detail written description on one sheet and graphic description on the other. The detail differences for each subject are shown for instance White 800, it says that it has no rain guard for the gunner's sight aperture, full front fenders, possible grab handle on the rear escape hatch. They also mention when they have no reference for some details like the rear hull setup for White 800, I like it when product manufactures are honest upfront about things like this!

You also get a list of references they used to create the decals and most are based on photographic references. The decals themselves are printed on very thin carrier film which all numbers are hollow and non-linked. What this means is that it would be possible to use these over Zimmerit as indicated on the decal sheet. The carrier film is just enough for the printer matter and no more, so you will have less of a what I call the "Silver Curse" showing up under the decal to refract light. It also tapers off to blend into the paint work as well. I personaly use Micro Sol and Set when I use decals on my kits to get that "painted on" look and would reccommend doing so if you apply these over Zimmerit.

Custom printed my MicroScale, these are a very welcome addition for Armor modelers the world over.

Here is a list of current (As far as I know) releases:

35-001 - Tiger I Ausf. E (Initial and Early) - sPzAbt 501 & 502.

35-002 This one under review, see above!

35-003 - Panzer Mk.III Ausf. J - 2/14/15/24th Panzer Division.

35-004 - StuG III Ausf. F - Grossdeutschland/StuGAbt 210 & 667.

35-005 - Tiger II #1 - Ausf. B ssPzAbt 501/503/506PzKp (Pk1?) 316, Henschel & Porsche Red 313, Red 100, Black 314 & White 11.

35-006 - PzKpfw IV #1 - Ausf. H-2 & 3 PzDiv & 12.ss PzDiv Hitlerjugend, White 825, Red 621, Yellow 221 & Black 635.

35-007 - "Eighty-Eight" #1 Flak 18 - Unknown Units, Gun Barrel & Shield Kills & front Eden-Emael.

35-008 - Tiger I #2 Ausf. E-sPzAbt 503 - Initial & Early, White 243, Black 123, 232 & 332.

35-009 - Panther #2 - Ausf. G 15.ssPzDiv "Wiking" & others, White 411(2), Yellow 213 & Red PO.

35-010 - StuG III #2 - Ausf. G 16.PzDiv/StuGBrg 243 & others, Red 111 (Elephant head), 307, 1024 & Black 121.