Choosing 12mm WWII Transfers for Russian and Allied Vehicles
By Victrix Limited 28mm miniatures | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to pick the right 12mm WWII transfers for your Soviet and Allied vehicles, with practical decision rules for waterslide decals in 1/144 scale.
Quick answer
For 12mm WWII Soviet vehicles, pick Russian Transfers 2 for authentic markings; for Allied tanks, choose the Allied stars and British names set to add unit identification. Both are waterslide decals designed for 1/144 scale miniatures.
Why scale matters for 12mm transfers
12mm (1/144 scale) miniatures have small surface areas, so decals must be proportioned correctly. Generic larger-scale transfers can look oversized or distort details. Both products in this guide are specifically designed for 12mm/1:144 scale, ensuring markings fit vehicle hulls and turrets without excessive trimming.
Waterslide vs. sticker decals
Waterslide transfers require a bit more preparation than peel-and-stick stickers, but they conform better to curved surfaces like tank turrets and engine decks. They also lie flatter under a sealing coat, reducing the risk of silvering. If you are new to waterslides, practice on a spare piece of plastic first.
How to choose the right transfers
- Identify your faction: For Soviet forces, use Russian Transfers 2. For Allied forces (British or American), use the Allied stars and British names set. Mixing factions on the same vehicle is historically inaccurate.
- Check the decal size: Both sets are designed for 12mm/1:144 scale, so you do not need to resize them. If you are working with larger 28mm miniatures, these transfers will be too small.
- Prepare the surface: Apply waterslide decals to a clean, gloss-coated surface. After drying, seal with a matte varnish to blend the edges. This prevents silvering and protects the decal during gaming. Always test one decal on a spare part before committing to a finished model.
Product facts at a glance
- Allied stars and British names beginning DEF: Standard high-quality waterslide transfers for 12mm WWII miniatures. This set includes Allied stars and British names beginning with D, E, and F. You can quickly mark multiple British tanks with period-appropriate unit names without hand-painting letters.
Allied stars and British names beginning DEF - Russian Transfers 2: Enhance your 12mm WWII Soviet forces with these high-quality waterslide transfers, designed specifically for the 1:144 scale range. These decals provide authentic Russian markings that match the scale of your Soviet vehicles, saving you time and improving historical accuracy.
Russian Transfers 2
Which set fits your project?
Best for
- Wargamers painting 12mm Soviet tank forces who want quick, authentic markings
- Players building British or American armored units who need unit names and Allied stars
Not for
- 28mm scale vehicles (transfers will be too small)
- German or Japanese forces (no appropriate markings in these sets)
