|
Xtreme Modelling |
|
Issue #12 |
|
Reviewed By Jack Bruno, #25313 |
|
|
|
MSRP: 14.10 Euros or ~$18.00 USD This issue of Xtreme Modelling features the anniversary of the end of W.W.II in Europe. It contains pictures of the real life moments as well as some of the most prolific and intricate diorama's we've seen in a long, long time. The preface briefs us on the state of affairs in 1945 with the Soviet Army exploding in and around Germany, in particular, Berlin. Most of the clear BW photos might be familiar to us, but to this author, most are a first time. There are some great idea's here for future projects and I must say I've got a few! The first diorama that comes our way is aptly called, "Nordic Twilight". Manel Arin produces a very fine stone castle inhabited by SS Troops in support of a Panther Ausf G and SdKfz 250/1 Nue. The base, groundwork and accessories bring the subject to life as you could almost feel the end coming soon. The Panther was of particular interest for me because my own piece is almost finished and I always look for additions I can make to enhance things... don't we all? Next on the line is Gary Kwan's "Destroyed" StuG III Ausf G. For those modelers wishing to do a little something different with an extra kit, this is truly tempting. Engine and fighting compartment are detailed and a valuable lesson on what a burnt out tank with battle damage looks like. Well done and very useful! Following this article is a very well done expose on the StuG III Ausf G with color plates for camouflage illustration along with Schurzen color plates. Indeed, this is very nice work. Not to be out done, Bernard Lustig brings us another StuG III Ausf G with no holds barred. He has scratched Schurzen, with rounded bottoms, PE fenders along with added "luggage rack" and zimmeritt. WOW!! Bernard walks us through the build and this could easily turn an average modeler like me into a great one overnight. Well, I can dream can't I? In the later stages of the war, any war for that matter, times are tough on the defensive army and it begins to use anything that will work. This includes modern modifications to older vehicles. Manuel Huerta gives us a beautiful vignette of a Panzer IB "Drilling." A great idea for those extra parts from 3 in 1 kits! Outstanding! I love the larger Soviet tanks like the KV's and the JS series. Mike Renaldi presents a very nice article on the Dragon JS II with a grafted on nose section from the MB JS IIm. This is a great article on weathering a Soviet tank from this period and includes a couple of color plates representing Guards and Polish units. This article is all you'll need to knock out a Russian Bear for your collection. Javier Franco out did himself on the next subject, one of my all time favorite, a "Bedspring" T34/85 in Berlin. Not only did the author add engine and transmission, but he also placed it in a Berlin setting next to a captured Pantherturm bunker with figures. This is a very nice diorama and worth the price of admission alone. The back pages include the standard Above Average pictures of some European shows that feature several outstanding kits with all the bells and whistles. Great new "Coming Soon" section too with additional figure painting examples from Alpine! There you have it guys and gals; another can’t live without magazine from Xtreme Modelling! Thanks to the company for the review sample and to John Noack for throwing it my way! Till next time... Hoo Rahh |
|
Information, images, and all
other items placed electronically on this site |
