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Built Review
135
UK Ammo Box Stencils
Ammo box stencils for 37mm, .30 cal., .50 cal. boxes & magazines, two different 25Pdr cartridge boxes & one 25Pdr shell box
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by: Bill Cross [ BILL_C ]

introduction

Archer Fine Transfers has a large & growing selection of stencils for stowage items like food boxes and ammunition that bring a touch of the superb to any build. Archer has been bundling a wide range of items (e.g., ammo box stencils) with a little bit of many things on one sheet.

Another set that modelers of British armor should appreciate is that one featuring a variety of ammunition sizes, including .30 cal, .50 cal, and two types of 25 pounder containers.

the decals

Inside the usual Archer glassine envelope is a 3 1/2" x 4 1/2" sheet of black stencils for:

20 .30 cal magazines
42 stencils for .30 cal boxes
49 50 cal magazines
10 sets of stencils for the 25 pdr cartridge box
10 sets for the 25 pdr shell boxes
4 sets of 25 pdr wooden shipping boxes

the review

These three calibers pretty much cover British light & heavy machine guns, as well as their most-common small artillery round. I can't think of a tank, AFV or truck in almost any theater of war where these stencils wouldn't greatly improve things. After all, kit manufacturers routinely ignore stenciling, leaving things to AM suppliers like Archer.

The decals are printed by Cartograf, so you know the quality is excellent.

The photos at right show the decals used on some resin ammo boxes by Resicast. According to the instructions & painting guide included, Canadian ammunition was supplied in dark green/OD containers, while those sent to British forces were a kind of chocolate brown. As you can see from the photos, the stencils really "pop" and give the items are real touch of realism in miniature.

conclusion

Given the amount of excellent "stowage" resin sets coming on the market from Resicast and Value Gear, I'm thrilled to have these Archer ammo stencils. Well done as usual.

Thanks to Archer Fine Transfers for this review sample. Be sure to mention you saw the review here on Armorama when ordering.
SUMMARY
Highs: Cartograf printing, unusual subject matter, very detailed.
Lows: None really.
Verdict: Highly recommended to make UK artillery & tank stowage more realistic.
Percentage Rating
92%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: AR77009
  Suggested Retail: $6.95
  PUBLISHED: Jan 06, 2013
  NATIONALITY: United Kingdom
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 90.08%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 91.53%

Our Thanks to Archer Fine Transfers!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Bill Cross (bill_c)
FROM: NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES

Self-proclaimed rivet counter who gleefully builds tanks, planes and has three subs in the stash.

Copyright ©2021 text by Bill Cross [ BILL_C ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

These look very nice Bill, and a great addition as these stencils are lacking in most kits. And wow! Your 200th review
JAN 07, 2013 - 12:41 PM
Yikes, time flies when you're having fun! Thanks, James.
JAN 07, 2013 - 01:03 PM
   
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