Looking for decals for Soviet tank slogans, but you want different ones from the ones on the sheet? You’ve seen them in photos, but don’t fancy trying your hand at painting them on? Well here’s a simple, but effective, idea you could try and all you need is: a.  Steady hands b.  White gel pen Most reputable stationers and book shops have coloured gel pens that can be used for other gaming purposes also like marking bases.

Firstly, you need to practise as with any penmanship and you’re mainly trying to achieve a suitable size and the correct style of writing or font.     When you’re happy with your practise efforts then it’s time to move on to a tank turret or superstructure. If you can rest both hands to steady them while writing you should achieve a better result. Stop after every couple of letters and wipe the tip of the pen to remove any gel accumulation (or use your finger like me). Then draw on your practise piece to get the gel running again and add a couple more letters.

Once the slogans are finished allow to dry overnight then varnish to protect the writing or it will wear off eventually. I’ve used both enamel and acrylic varnish without any problems but I take care not to smear the writing by dabbing on gently over the top rather than brushing (spray would be the best then!) "For Stalin"

"For Stalin"

"For the Homeland"

Here’s a selection of slogans you could use along with their translations. But this is only a small sample and there are many more available in photos etc. You can put a different slogan on each Tank or you can put the same slogan on all the vehicles in a unit, both choices were common practise in the Red army. Or you could even make up your own slogan variations complete with appropriate translations!

Above: "Suvorov" Left: "Latvian Rifles" in Latvian

"For the Homeland"

"Crush the Fascists"

"Victory"

"Crush the Fascist vipers!"

"Annihilate the Fascists"

"For Stalin"

"Forward to Victory!"

Well all you budding Soviet Commanders, I hope you give it a go. Take it slowly to begin with, with lots of practise, and I’m sure you’ll achieve great results that will help those plain green tanks look a little more interesting for my German antitank gunners (did I mention my armies are mainly German??) Enjoy your modelling and great gaming Cheers, Evan For an excellent article on Soviet patriotic slogans check out "Russian Graffiti" by Rob Rowell in issue 43 of The Journal of The Society of Twentieth Century Wargamers. The examples above and more can be found there. Soviet Decals...