Author Topic: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers  (Read 14033 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline Rokket

  • Administrator
  • *
  • Posts: 2,362
  • Gender: Male
  • Submarine Enthusiast
    • AMP - Accurate Model Parts
REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
« on: 09 Apr , 2009, 19:54 »
ARCHER Transfers (http://www.archertransfers.com) has released a new set of transfers for the u-boat world: rivets and weld beads for the Revell 1:72 VIIC.

The set replaces any rivets lost in sanding, and adds more authentic weld beads - and new beads not included on the model. The surface detail set is black resin backed by clear decal film, and includes all necessary rivets, standard welds, extra welds, and possible additional welds.

The weld are very realistic, just like a weld bead: raised, bumpy detail and wavy width. The rivets are very small and spaced out in proper patterns. Very handy for replacing lost ones (they do get sanded and knocked about, especially with various "surgeries").

Placement is easy, just like any decal. Cut close, soak in warm water for about 10 seconds, and apply. You can use Future as a base, and even use a decal set or solvent like Microsol. When dry, just paint over, and presto, instant rivets and weld beads.

The scale and quality are excellent, as is the research. Glenn Cauley, builder of two very detailed boats and a member of AMP and Model Shipwrights forums (http://www.travel-net.com/~gcauley/U625/ and http://www.travel-net.com/~gcauley/U673/index.htm), researched patterns using many sources, and was able to piece together the complete rivet and weld patterns, including possible variations.

My review set arrived in a very sturdy box, very professional and appropriate. It made a long trip about halfway around the planet, but was in such good shape it could have come from down the street.

The set contains color instructions with easy placement drawings, three sheets of transfers, and general info about Archer and their new website.

For testing I placed a weld bead on half painted, dirty sheet styrene to cheat and make it hard. Even in such an unfair test, adhesion was excellent and it painted fair with just one coat, a second is necessary but easy. The second coat could even be a lighter shade for highlighting the surface detail, just dry brushed on.

I recommend cutting very close tho, as the solvent didn't completely take care of the decal film. Not noticeable on a weld bead, but the space between rivets might need a little attention.

The only slight negative has nothing to do with the product itself, but the price. US$59.95 is expensive, but then so is a Rolls Royce. Very nice to drive though!

IDEA: Brilliant (easy solution for tough problem)
EXECUTION: Excellent (quality and research)
PRESENTATION: Professional (makes it easy)

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

US$59.95
Archer Fine Transfers (decals and resin surface sets)
http://www.archertransfers.com


AMP - Accurate Model Parts - http://amp.rokket.biz

Offline GlennCauley

  • Admiral
  • *
  • Posts: 646
    • Models by Glenn Cauley
Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
« Reply #1 on: 09 Apr , 2009, 23:08 »
Thank you!

We have updated the instruction sheet since you received your set, I believe.
The new instructions can be found online here:
http://www.archertransfers.com/WEB%20pictures/AR88023%20ins.pdf

and will also be included in more recent sets shipped out.
The updated instructions are easy to identify, as the conning tower is shown on one of the profiles.

With all the rivets I sanded off during my build of U673, I am *SO* glad I have this set to quickly & easily replace rivets & welds of the proper size and pitch... in 1 easy step.   ;D

« Last Edit: 10 Apr , 2009, 08:30 by GlennCauley »
Glenn Cauley
President, IPMS Ottawa
gc-scalemodels.ca

vonbulowfla

  • Guest
Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
« Reply #2 on: 13 Apr , 2009, 08:00 »
great review glen ! and a very handy product indeed . thanks for your time and research.good show. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Offline billp51d

  • Lt Cdr
  • *
  • Posts: 194
  • Gender: Male
Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
« Reply #3 on: 13 Apr , 2009, 08:50 »
            JUST FOR MY OWN INFO. WHAT IS THE WIDTH OF THE WELDS IN THIS SET...THANKS IN ADVANCE....BILL

Offline dougie47

  • Administrator
  • *
  • Posts: 758
Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
« Reply #4 on: 13 Apr , 2009, 11:17 »
Hi Glenn,

The set looks superb. Well done!

Cheers,

Dougie

Offline Rokket

  • Administrator
  • *
  • Posts: 2,362
  • Gender: Male
  • Submarine Enthusiast
    • AMP - Accurate Model Parts
Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
« Reply #5 on: 14 Apr , 2009, 06:15 »
Hi Bill,

REEEEAL hard to measure, but .015" or .38mm.

To my eye they are nice and thin and look "just right"
AMP - Accurate Model Parts - http://amp.rokket.biz

Offline billp51d

  • Lt Cdr
  • *
  • Posts: 194
  • Gender: Male
Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
« Reply #6 on: 14 Apr , 2009, 08:08 »
Hi Bill,

REEEEAL hard to measure, but .015" or .38mm.

To my eye they are nice and thin and look "just right"
     .015 OR .780 REAL LIFE....SEEMS AS CLOSE TO SCALE AS YOU NEED TO BE...STILL A BIT "PRICEY" THOUGH..I'LL STICK TO THE GREEN STUFF..THANKS, WINK..

Offline GlennCauley

  • Admiral
  • *
  • Posts: 646
    • Models by Glenn Cauley
Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
« Reply #7 on: 14 Apr , 2009, 09:50 »
Actually the welds included in the set are not the super-thin 0.015" weld beads, but rather are the 0.025" beads.
The 0.015" were too thin... the 0.025" are just right.

 :)
Glenn Cauley
President, IPMS Ottawa
gc-scalemodels.ca

Offline GlennCauley

  • Admiral
  • *
  • Posts: 646
    • Models by Glenn Cauley
Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
« Reply #8 on: 08 May , 2009, 09:40 »
Check out my postings here and onward for pics of the rivets applied to the hull:
http://models.rokket.biz/index.php?topic=67.msg2353#msg2353
Glenn Cauley
President, IPMS Ottawa
gc-scalemodels.ca

Offline GlennCauley

  • Admiral
  • *
  • Posts: 646
    • Models by Glenn Cauley
PERSONAL REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
« Reply #9 on: 14 May , 2009, 11:06 »
I finally took the time to write my own personal review of the new Archer 1/72 U-boat Super Detail Set on my U-673 build site:



Review of Archer 1:72 U-boat Super Detail Set (AR88023)
by Glenn Cauley (Canada)

Introduction
The Archer 1/72 U-boat Super Detail Set (AR88023) (referred to as the
« Last Edit: 14 May , 2009, 20:32 by GlennCauley »
Glenn Cauley
President, IPMS Ottawa
gc-scalemodels.ca

Offline OldNoob

  • Commander
  • *
  • Posts: 327
Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
« Reply #10 on: 07 Apr , 2013, 21:26 »
I know this is an old thread but Im going to bump this topic and suggest it be moved to the Tips or Techniques.
It was Very helpful to me.
Thanks for sharing

Offline GlennCauley

  • Admiral
  • *
  • Posts: 646
    • Models by Glenn Cauley
Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
« Reply #11 on: 07 Apr , 2013, 21:55 »
Thanks!    But how does that get done?
Glenn Cauley
President, IPMS Ottawa
gc-scalemodels.ca

Offline OldNoob

  • Commander
  • *
  • Posts: 327
Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
« Reply #12 on: 07 Apr , 2013, 22:27 »
Thanks!    But how does that get done?
I think one of the moderators has to move it.

Offline Rokket

  • Administrator
  • *
  • Posts: 2,362
  • Gender: Male
  • Submarine Enthusiast
    • AMP - Accurate Model Parts
Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
« Reply #13 on: 12 Apr , 2013, 02:07 »
Is that some kind of hint? ;D I'll see what I can do...
AMP - Accurate Model Parts - http://amp.rokket.biz