There was a time when we had a plethora of magazines that were either entirely or partially full of modelling articles dealing with modelling of military vehicles. Nowadays there are not so many, but here we have an excellent publication, and this issue dragged me in as it features a vehicle I have a bit more than a passing interest in.
Editor David Grummitt makes sure that each issue has a variety of articles and this issue is no different. News at the Front looks at the Tamiya PzKpfw IV Ausf. F and Motorcycle (North Africa). The contents of the box are detailed, and initial impressions recorded on moulding, accessories and assembly. Also reviewed from ICM are a figure set of Ukrainian tank crew, and the WW2 German Bergepanther with PzKpfw IV turret. Next we have the latest news from Miniart and their re-located manufacturing in Poland. J.W. de Boer Modelbouw, Gecko, Tankcraft and FC Modeltrend all get coverage. The next section is titled Quartermaster’s Stores and gives an image and brief description of new releases.
The first article takes a look at painting Olive Drab, with a history of its use by the U.S. Army. I got into a discussion with my Uncle about the colour of the vehicles he used (Duxford and 1st Infantry Division), and he said, to the naked eye, there appeared to be considerable differences, depending on age, service and local re-paints. Next we have a description of the building of a Berlin 1945 diorama, an excellent model with the planning and techniques well described.
Building a model of the SdKfz 251/8 halftrack is described in the next article using the Tamiya Ausf. D kit. A great model, although it has the tarpaulin fitted over the roof, and the rear doors shut, so no interior fittings are needed. There are conversion sets available for this, and of course, you could cross-deck the fittings from the new ICM kit of the SdKfz 251/8 Ausf. A.
For me, the highlight of this issue is the historical article on the post-war use of German AFVs. With photos and text showing Panzers in French service, including Indo-China, and a few photos new to me. Swedish, Swiss, Finnish and Spanish use is also covered with plenty of photos and some tasty colour profiles. This is part 1; I’m looking forward to part 2.
The AFV Club kit of the IDF M113 ‘Zelda’ is used in a build article with details of colours and tips for the detail work. We then have a small scale diorama of the Maus on its special rail wagon built from the Pegasus kit. The information on sourcing figures is very useful, along with the potted history. A very neat diorama. An interview with modeller Andrew Argent follows in which he details his modelling history, techniques and various projects.
Steve Santucci delivers a report on this year’s AMPS show in South Bend Indiana, supported with a wealth of photos of the excellent models on display. This is followed by a build of the Rye Field 1/35th scale model of the Late Stug III Ausf. G. Lots of extra detailing is added to the basic kit, and the photos show how this is fitted.
Words and Pictures is a section looking at the latest military books, and with so much coming out in print, we need a bit of guidance, otherwise the good stuff gets missed.
An excellent issue with 100 pages full of interest and colour photos.
Paul Middleton MAFVA 1528