AFV Modeler Ltd.

AFV Modeller #49 Nov/Dec 2009

Reviewed By  Tracy Palmer, IPMS# 39188

MSRP: $40.00 for a six-month subscription issued bi-monthly Website: www.afvmodeller.com This is another great issue of AFV Modeller. The magazine is in the European A4 size, making it a little longer than U.S. magazines. The magazine is published bi-monthly and this issue is 65 pages packed with some very interesting subjects. The first section starts with the cover story, a Ferdinand with its turret blown off and upside down in the hull. This in turn required some good detailing which was captured in the photos. The author goes into the construction and completion of the kit, done in 1/35 scale. He also lists all the aftermarket parts and bits used to complete this diorama. The second chapter is a photo essay of a German Sd.Kfz. 222 4 wheeled armored car. About 49 pictures of the inside and outside details of this subject are very clear and should be very helpful for detailing one of these vehicles. The pictures of the armored car were taken in a museum of a very nicely restored 222. The next chapter was of a Sd. Kfz. 11 with an unusual "drilling" (triple) gun mount. It would appear that the author has a picture of an Sd. Kfz. 11 with a naval mounted version of a drilling anti aircraft gun. He explains the construction, the conversion and the painting of the vehicle. He goes on to explain the making of the base and some final thoughts on the diorama. This diorama was in 1/35 scale. In the next chapter the authors used an American M-16 half track in 1/16 scale for the subject! The authors used the Trumpeter kit as the basis for the diorama and the theme was an engine maintenance repair work area. An explanation of the build and the extra details are all here, along with the story of the painting and the diorama build. Next up was another photo essay on the M4A3 Sherman tank. This photo essay was about 27 photos of different Shermans and the different variations that were around. All in all these are, again, great detail shots for the Sherman builder to get great detail on the tank. Following the Sherman was part 5 of a multipart building of a 1/16 scale King Tiger. This months' issue covers some more interior building and painting of this massive beast. New releases were next, with some great teasers for us. 16 reviews of everything from books to baggage were covered in this issue. Some cool tools, resin, plastic, figures, brass, and decals were all covered. Covering the last chapter was a photo shoot of some of the highlights of this year's Euro Militaire competition. About 48 pictures of the show rounded out this issue. I very much enjoyed this issue of the magazine. I did notice that all of this issue's subjects were World War Two-related, and that was great for me, but may put some others off who are looking for a more rounded look at modeling armor. The issue not only showed some really great build ups, but two great walk-around sections also. I would highly recommend this issue to all WW 2 armor modelers! My thanks to AFV Modeller for letting me review this 49th issue.