Model Art Co, Ltd

Panzer Graph 6 Autumn 2006

Reviewed By  Mark Aldrich, IPMS# 39295

MSRP: $21.00 approx I have always stated how much I love getting books and magazines that show off other model builders works. Today I was proved incorrect. I still love those types of books and magazines, but I also must love being able to READ them as well. This issue of the Panzer Graph series is excellent for the content and quality of photographs. However, if you don't read Japanese, you might be as slightly disappointed as I was. You see, there is a picture on page 29 that has what appears to be a dining room/model building table. So many captions popped into my head. "A healthy meal insures healthy model building", "A balanced diet makes a balanced modeler", and "Food and models, an unbeatable combination" were just a few. It is probably nothing more than the lack of personal space in the Orient, but I would love to been able to read that caption. This version of Panzer Graph is in Japanese only. No English text or subtitles here. This particular issue is more of a book. It is a soft cover tome consisting of 132 pages. All the models (24 in all) are in full color. Each model is given about four pages each with six pages of Russian armor history and four pages of Russian armor crewmember equipment throughout the years. There are also several pages of advertisement for different model companies and some new releases as well. The different vehicles are a Russian "Mark 5" composite, T-18, T-37, T-40, T-70, BT-2, BT-5, T-34/76, T-34/85, SMK, KV-1, KV-2, KV-85, IS-2m, IS-3, T-55, T-62A, T-64B, T-72M1, and a T-80UD. Of special note is a 1/16 Trumpeter T-34/85 that the builder added at least 25 mini lights to. It made me think of what would happen if a street racer built a tank. He added lights to the ends of the drive sprocket and idler wheel but didn't think about wiring the engine or the interior. The KV-II diorama was especially noteworthy as well. The T-80UD was beautifully constructed also. This is a really great photo journal of some really nicely completed kits. With an average price tag of $21.00, the lack of English text might put off some armor modelers. I would have to say the investment would be well worth it and if they made an English text version a must have.

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