|
MSRP: 14.10 Euros or ~$18.00 USD Not having been actively involved in armor building
until the last few months, I’ve also been out of touch with the newer support publications that are available. Xtreme Modelling is
a new publication for me, but comes as a very pleasant surprise. Originating in Spain, I’m continued to be awed by the high level
of quality that comes out of the European modeling scene. This magazine showcases several of these fine examples and also includes
son “how-to” information to help those of us that can currently only aspire to match some of these great models. The magazine is
sized in an 11 x 8¼ inch format (landscape orientation) and is printed on high quality paper. All images are in color with the
exception of black and white historical WW II photos that are also included for reference use. There are 65 pages, 5 main articles
and a neat “how-to” addition at the end call “Panzer Schule” (rough translation to Tank School). As noted in the title, there is
also a good focus on Shermans, though the only service theatre covered is Italy. Here’s the break down of the articles:
- Sd Kfz 11 Einheitsfahrerhaus – Leichte Zugkraftwagen 3t – This is a build article for the AFV Club kit (no
35047) and goes through the positive and negative aspects of the build. 37 beautiful color photos document the
build through the various stages to completions. Included are extra notes on painting, weathering, making an epoxy
putty tarpaulin and adding and detailing various accessories.
- “Heinz! Wo ist die Artzasche (first aid bag)?” – This second article gives a brief
overview of a halftrack diorama involving a nicely done partial building and an injured soldier. The halftrack is
the old Tamiya Sd Kfz 251/1 modified to a /7. The building is a scratchbuilt item, though not much detail is
covered on how it was made and the figures are pulled together from various sources. 10 photos support this build.
- “The Sherman in Italy” – Article #3 is one that I find very appealing, a photo essay on Shermans of various
allied nations, seen during service in Italy. There are 17 different B&W photos, with descriptive captions.
British, Canadian, American, and Polish tanks are included in the grouping. Lots of great details shots and diorama
ideas to be had in these pages.
- “Cul De Sac” – As a follow on to the Sherman historical section, a diorama of a US M4A1, crashing through a
brick wall in Italy, is next. More great in-process shots, though late in the build process, of both the Sherman
and the diorama itself are supported by 27 pictures. The one big stand-out for me in this article is the very
realistic weathering done on the tracks of the Sherman. Definitely a look to work towards!
|
- “Bogged Down” – Another Sherman diorama, this one displaying a unique tri-color camouflaged M4 bogged down in deep
mud. Again, the weathering of the kit is superb as is the depiction of the mud. There are 9 photos of the completed
tank, diorama and figure, but no in-process shots.
- “M4A3” – An Italeri Sherman is the focus of the sixth section. This one is heavily sandbagged and weathered. A few
in-process shots (3) support the “how-to” text, with the rest of the verbiage covering the painting process.
- “Panzer Schule” – Four separate “classes” are taught in Tank School: 1) Thinning of parts, 2) Elimination and/or
substitution of parts, 3) Commercial alternative parts and 4) Basic photo etch. Each section has 4+ photos and
descriptive captions for each photo. Lots of good ideas and handy tips to be found in these pages.
- Coverage of the 2004 Grosseto Modelling Show includes pictures of both models and real vehicles. Taking place at
some modern military barracks in Italy, the participants also had access to the museum.
- And finally one more show is briefly covered: Real Man Show (RMS) 2004. A show from Hong Kong with many nice kits
on display.
- The last pages contain reviews of some new items available for the AFV modeler. Included are detail parts,
conversion kits, full kits, books and tools.
Overall I found this format to be quite interesting and informative, though somewhat pricey for a single issue. The inspiration
generated by the high quality of work would have to be labeled as priceless though. Thanks to Extreme Modelling for the review
sample. Extreme Modelling is sold at a number of hobby shops or can be obtained via subscription through their website at
www.xtrememodelling.com. |
)