72 pgs Full Color
Subscription Price: $72.64 for 4 issue subscription pstpd, $22.49 per issue postpaid (15.95 Euros)
Web Site: http://www.minitracks.fr

After 14 great issues for Braille scale armor modelers, Minitracks tweaked their layout and content and now has published 7 issues with their new formula. Their editorial page explains that they have been listening to their readers' input and continue to solicit your suggestions, as they continue to deliver a magazine strictly for Braille Scale armor modelers (generally accepted as 1/72 thru 1/87 scales). It's published equally in French and English (the photos are in English, of course) so you won't miss a thing. If you subscribe you get four issues for the price of three, plus a bonus printed "sign" sheet that can be used in vignettes and dioramas (road signs, ads and billboards…)

The editors intend to increase their use of articles with real wartime photos and recollections used as the basis for the model and diorama builds. They will continue to seek out and publish original research. This issue for example, has color chips and tech drawings for the camouflage on Somua S35s that lay to rest the ongoing debate regarding the use of Sea Green (used on other tanks and vehicles as well). Further, the tech order specifically states that the shapes "…are not to be reproduced exactly on each vehicle."

Minitracks will also continue to maintain a first class website, and cross section of subjects readers enjoy. This printed issue begins with the ubiquitous French 75mm mounted as an autocanon mobile AA anti-balloon platform originally tasked to counter the 1870-71 siege of Paris complete with remarkable detail photos of the vehicles, stowage and crews. The model build/vignette article is based upon the Retrokit offering, detailing just what set this apart from your average model.

Other articles of the model and the real deal include a Fiat Tractor as prime mover for a Canon 47/32; a DML M4A1 in a peaceful 1951 Indochine setting; coverage of the annual model show at the Musee des blindes in Samur where they crank up a good number of vehicles to strut their stuff, while some of the finest armor models in Europe compete in the contest (many more photos than the 4 pages in this issue can be seen on line). A Nashorn article offers an excellent illustrated history (photos and color paintings) while the model/vignette article brings to life a knocked out Nashorn; a step by step article shows you how to create a convincingly realistic battered brick wall; building a Revell T-72 with the subtle Czech changes and finally the book and kit reviews/previews. The kit previews simply show you what's coming out, with a photo of either the box top or kit itself, but no written description. That's something of a tease! For example, a handful of U.S. Diamond T truck releases from Wespe are shown (Wespe has been attending our US National Conventions) but the scale isn't mentioned. Wespe has 1/72, 1/76 and 1/87 I believe. I'd sure like to have that Diamond Wrecker, but not in 1/87! A resin detail set is coming out for the Sahariana which I hope is made for the Italeri kit; "and more" as they say. We're lucky here on Long Island, NY with a few good hobby shops that carry some of the European mfr snail scale models (or they'll get 'em for you). Several mail order companies have ads in Minitracks so one way or another if you want it, you can get it.

Minitracks offers a few sheets of waterslide decals in both 1/72 and 1/35 but these, and back issues of their publications, are selling fast. Publications show that Minitracks' staff is very prolific, with a number of different titles under their belts. While small scale has always been especially popular in Europe, it has been getting bigger every year at our National, Regional and even local contests. Mike Salzano builds amazing small scale armor models and has been sponsoring the "Best Braille Scale Armor Award" at our annual RepLIcon Long Island, NY show in recognition of the scales growing popularity. IPMS has honored Art Gerber by naming our "Best Armor" award after him. His best known models are Braille scale. There always have been awesome modelers building Braille Scale models. Within my chapter, some of our best modelers have recently "discovered" Braille scale and have begun to enter and win with them. That's great – I say, "Bring it on!!" Buy magazines like Minitracks and buy kits from Dragon, and Retrokit, Revell, Wespe, Italeri and they'll continue to provide us with awesome reference materials and models to build. The smart money is on 1/72 and 1/76 models, magazines and accessories. Hopefully the industry has realized that 1/48 armor is not going to happen as the success of Minitracks, focusing on Braille Scale models, is proof that the biggest market segment after 1/35 armor are the small 1/72-1/76 that modelers worldwide embrace in a big way.

I heartily recommend Minitracks. It should be at your favorite hobby shop, otherwise contact them at http://www.minitracks.fr, Tel :00(33)02-37-49-84-76 or Editions Du Barbotin, 20, La Deniserie, 28240 Les Corvees Les Yys, France.

Thanks to Minitracks for the review copy.