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AFV Modeller |
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AFV Modeller Magazine #25 |
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Reviewed By Mike Howard , #30741 |
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MSRP: $16.75 USD As a returning armor modeler (who spent many of the last years concentrating on aircraft), I continue to be amazed at the advances of both armor model kits and armor modelers. The advances of the latest kits and build/weathering techniques are incredible. Publications such as AFV Modeller are also great examples of how many of these advances are showcased. With excellent combinations of both finished and in-process photos, in conjunction with explanations of techniques, these types of magazines go a long way towards inspiring both novice and advanced builders alike. The latest issue of AFV Modeller, issue #25, continues this precedence in fine fashion. Here’s a summary of what’s found inside the covers: Pages 2-9 - The cover article is part 1 of a 1/35th DML T-34/40 diorama built by Adam Wilder, with parts of the diorama built by Carlos Elias. Both kit and base construction are well covered in text and photos. The building that Carlos constructs is very realistic! I’m hoping that part 2 of this article will go in depth on paint and weathering of both the building and the T-34. I’m very curious to see where the author found references to the three color camouflage scheme displayed on the Russian tank. Pages 10-17 – Another 1/35th construction feature, this time highlighting the Italeri SWS halftrack transport/cargo hauler. Lots of great photos of the build in process and also of the additional added details (the bicycle is very nicely done!). The figures that are in the finished product are also well detailed and painted. |
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Pages 18-26 – The third section is an excellent photo reference resource.
With the newly released 1/35th Trumpeter Sturer Emil SPG, AFV Modeller
author Thomas Anderson has pulled together a very useful grouping of
both period and museum photos of this German rarity. His text gives a
brief history of the monstrous 128mm Self Propelled gun that was
initially used on the Eastern Front during Operation Barbarossa, though
originally conceived to help destroy fortifications along the French
Maginot Line. If you have the new Trumpeter kit, this is a “must have”. Pages 28-35 – Back to model kits, this time a soft-skin. The article has many photos of a completed Italian reconnaissance/communication vehicle, the Camionette Desertica 42 Sahariana. Looking somewhat like a bloated and lengthened Kubelwagen, the author (Rhodes Williams) describes in the text (no in process photos are included) how he turned a rather simple Historica Productions resin kit into the finished product shown in the photos. When all is said and done, the completed kit has enough extras added to look more like a small bachelor’s apartment: Phonograph with records, eggs frying in a pan and empty bottles lying about. Each time I look back at the pictures I find new details. Pages 36-44 – Everything you ever wanted to know about the Ontos (at least for the majority of the population) is covered in this article. Again, the author includes both period and museum photos that give the reader plenty of detail and “in action” shots. The text covers the development and deployment history of this odd looking, 6 gun beast. Pages 45-47 – A brief build article on constructing the Hobby Fan Ontos kit. In process and completed photos are included along with a brief narrative of the build. Pages 48-55 – This section is entitled “Keeping Tracks”. Coverage of some of the latest armor related modeling items and references are found here. Plenty of new items with photos and text descriptions are included here. Pages 56-64 – The last feature for this issue is photo coverage of the Euro Militaire 2005 (part 1). Again, a great showcase of some very well built armor models and dioramas. Lots of neat ideas and inspiring builds are shown in this section. This was my first exposure to AFV Modeller, but I will now be looking for the next issue on the shelves of my local hobby shop! Thanks to AFV Modeller for the review sample and keep up the great work! |
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