Model Art Co, Ltd.

AFV Super Detail Photo Book Vol.7 Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf. F

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Reviewed By  John Hoffman, IPMS# 45381

MSRP: ¥2,667 (Yen.) About $23.25 96 pages - 500+ photos - Japanese-English - Drawings - Color profiles - Explanation Review copy courtesy of Model Art (www.modelart.jp ) Model Art is imported by Dragon USA (www.dragonmodelsusa.com ) Like the others in the series, this book is a detailed look at the various components that make up the title AFV, in this case, the Pz.II Ausf. F. I find this series of books to be very useful, and this volume is no exception. As the introduction states, they are aimed at the modeler. Included are 500 + photos taken of surviving examples, detailing the equipment and layout of these vehicles. These photos are the core of this book, and are the types of photos I would take if I were gathering reference. These focus on a specific component, with several views in most cases. Colored arrows are used in some to point out specific features. These are indicated in the caption to help explain the function of that part. Photos and text are grouped by area of the tank. For example, images detailing the fender are together with the description of their evolution for easy reference. A few period photos showing the Pz.II in action are thrown in as well. Text is provided in both Japanese and English. All areas of the Pz.II have at least a brief description of function and possible variations. The engine is the only exception to this, with only photos provided. As this is primarily a modeling reference, only a brief overview of the history and operation is included. I have a few nitpicks. These should not stop you from acquiring this book. Just things I feel need to be pointed out. Rulers are used in some photos for scale. These are a little too far from camera to be read clearly, though, so they are not as helpful as they could be. Also some reference to there overall size would be nice. The color plates are very small. This is bothersome as they are well done in every other respect. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Pz.II or fans of AFV's in general. I would like to thank Model Art, Dragon USA, and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this book.

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