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1/35 Uniform Decal Sheets from Crossdelta

1/35 Uniform Decal Sheets

Catalogue numbers MIL-35-001 to MIL-35-08

Crossdelta         
Price: Approx £3.80 at time of writing.
Available from SprueBrothers

Nearly four years ago I first became aware of the concept of producing army uniform colours in 1/35 scale as decals. A Japanese company called Sensegumi produced a small range of WW2 German uniform patterns as bolts of decals which the user had to cut to size and apply using large amounts of decal softener. The early efforts tended to vary in quality but some of their later efforts were really good.

Now arriving for review is a large collection of similar decals from a new manufacturer, Crossdelta, based in South Korea. On first examination, these decals are of exceptional printing quality, with good replication of patterns and, in most cases, colours. Some have different shades of colour to represent fading after time.

With 16 decal sets being available, this review will cover the first 8 sets, with another review to follow in a week's time.

MIL-35-001 Korean Camouflage Uniform

The first set (the decal sheet can be seen at the top of the page) covers the modern uniform used by South Korean troops. Colours on this set appear good, with perhaps the brown being a little faded.


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MIL-35-002 M81 "Woodland Pattern"

The standard uniform for all US troops since the early 1980s, during its time and adoption elsewhere, by at least 15 other nations,  this became the most widely used camouflage pattern in the world. Colours are really good, with 3 levels of fading provided. The best of the first 8 sets reviewed here.


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MIL-35-003 6-Colour Desert Camouflage "The Chocochips"

Developed in the 1970s as a desert camouflage, this is well known as the camouflage worn by US troops during the First Gulf War in 1993. Although no longer used by US forces, it is still widely used by other countries. Again, colours and patterns are exactly as per the original material.


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MIL-35-004 3-Colour Desert Battle Dress Uniform

Developed and introduced to replace "the Chocochips" uniform in 1993, its was widely used by US forces in the period 1993-2001.Probably the least well executed of these 8 sets, I felt the fading was a little overdone for my taste.


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MIL-35-005 M44 German Pea Dot Pattern

This sheet represents the "Erbsenmuster", a uniform pattern introduced in March 1944 for Waffen SS soldiers. Very accurate patterning, but perhaps the brick red colour should not be quite as dominant in final appearance.



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MIL-35-006 M29 Italian Camouflage

I have to say this is my favourite sheet, if only for its unexpected launch.Italian uniforms of the 20th century are much under-represented in modelling terms, even though the M29 pattern holds the record for the longest single use of a camouflage pattern, being the only pattern used by Italian troops from 1929 until the early 1990s! Three levels of fading, the 5 recognised colour variations known and spot-on patterns - a real treat.



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MIL-35-007 German Splinter Pattern I

Issued in 1931 to Wehrmacht troops as a double-sided camouflaged poncho called a "zeltbahn", this set represents the paler side of this material. It continued to be used on smocks, trousers and helmet covers well into WW2. I felt this was a little on the pale side for accurate representation.


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MIL-35-008 German Splinter Pattern II

The is the reverse side of the zeltbahn, being slightly darker and brighter. I felt this was a much better set and will find greater use amongst modellers.

So what do we think?

A very good range of decals, some executed a little better than others, which should find widespread use amongst modellers. The US forces patterns will probably prove to be the best sellers. recommended.

Overall: 8/10

My thanks to Daniel at Crossdelta for the review samples

Robin Jenkins