AMP - Accurate Model Parts

General Modeling => TECHNIQUES => Topic started by: Rokket on 09 Apr , 2009, 19:54

Title: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
Post by: Rokket on 09 Apr , 2009, 19:54
ARCHER Transfers (http://www.archertransfers.com (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/ (http://www.travel-net.com/~gcauley/U625/) and http://www.travel-net.com/~gcauley/U673/index.htm (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 (http://www.archertransfers.com)

(http://amp.rokket.biz/images/review_archer1.jpg)
Title: Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
Post by: GlennCauley 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

Title: Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
Post by: vonbulowfla 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
Title: Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
Post by: billp51d 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
Title: Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
Post by: dougie47 on 13 Apr , 2009, 11:17
Hi Glenn,

The set looks superb. Well done!

Cheers,

Dougie
Title: Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
Post by: Rokket 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"
Title: Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
Post by: billp51d 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..
Title: Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
Post by: GlennCauley 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.

 :)
Title: Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
Post by: GlennCauley 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
Title: PERSONAL REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
Post by: GlennCauley 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 (http://www.travel-net.com/~gcauley/U673/files/Review_AR88023.pdf):



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) (http://www.archertransfers.com/AR88023.html) (referred to as the
Title: Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
Post by: OldNoob 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
Title: Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
Post by: GlennCauley on 07 Apr , 2013, 21:55
Thanks!    But how does that get done?
Title: Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
Post by: OldNoob on 07 Apr , 2013, 22:27
Thanks!    But how does that get done?
I think one of the moderators has to move it.
Title: Re: REVIEW: Archer Rivet & Weld transfers
Post by: Rokket on 12 Apr , 2013, 02:07
Is that some kind of hint? ;D I'll see what I can do...