Model Art Co, Ltd

Panzer Graph #10 Autumn 2007

by  Model Art

Reviewed By  Dick Montgomery, IPMS# 14003

MSRP: $26.99 Review copy courtesy of Model Art (www.modelart.jp) Model Art is imported by Dragon USA (www.dragonmodelsusa.com) Panzer Graph #10 continues the tradition of excellence that one has come to expect from Model Art. This soft cover publication features 132 pages, most of which contain color images, primarily featuring German WWII tanks and equipment. Upon viewing the publication one might express the concern that most of it is written in Japanese, with very little translated into English. This publication proves that a picture is worth 1,000 words (even if those words are undecipherable to most English speakers), and the average modeler will be able to glean a significant amount of information from the many excellent pictures. Covered in this publication are the "Magnificent Seven". The title refers to seven modelers of extraordinary talent and the issue features photographs of their work. I hope that you enjoy the irony of an article in a Japanese magazine with the title, "Magnificent Seven", which was an American remake of the Japanese classic, "Seven Samuri", but I digress. The Magificent Seven, and their featured work are: Itoh Kohji and "The Road to France, 1940". This excellent diorama features a French tank being refitted with treads. Kawamura Kunihito and his superb scratch built 1/35 7.5cm Pak 40/1 auf Geschutzwagen Lorraine Schlepper (f) Sd.Kfz.135. This is an absolutely unbelievable model and is featured in about 120 color images. Araki Satoshi and his collection of four 1/35th scale armor dioramas. The "in progress" image of the rock, ground, and vegetation applied to the various bases is an excellent reference for those wanting to do some landscaping. Suyama Tatsuyoshi and his VAB 6x6 Transport de Troupe. A very nice feature about Suyama's article is that the paints he used are prominently displayed in the photographs allowing the reader to acquire those same paints. Hirano Yoshitaka's 1/35th scale Type 97 Shinhoto Chi-Ha. The model is placed in a tropical setting and much attention is given to the accompanying figures. The work on the figures is remarkable when one remembers that they are in 1/35th scale. Ahn Joonhong, Jine's Sd.Kfz.251/17 Ausf D. This stunning work illustrates the use of individually linked tracks, P.E. ammo storage bins, and hinged operating hatch and storage locker covers. Rhodes A. Williams' diorama, entitled, "Herr Hauptmann's Champagne" of a 1/35th Land Wasser Schlepper. This diorama features the vessel hovering above a sunken boat with divers retrieving bottles of champagne. Kaneko Tatsuya's diorama of a Fi-156C in flight above a Sd.Kfz.250/3. This diorama features a wonderfully detailed "rock" spire, towering over the vehicle, which also acts as an attachment point for the Storch. Following the "Magnificent Seven" are three pages of images from the "Dragon Expo and IPMS/USA Contests" taken at the IPMS National Convention. Rounding out this issue is an installment called, "Curious Neighbors". This photo essay shows an outstanding diorama of a structure, complete with detailed interior down to dinner tables with condiment shakers and an entre with chopsticks. The Panzer Graph series, including issue # 10, is highly recommended.

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