Editions du Barbotin

Minitracks #9 2nd Sem 2009

Reviewed By  Howie Belkin, IPMS# 16

MSRP: 29.00 Euros for 2 Issue Subscription 80 Full Color pgs for 2 issue "new format" subscription postpaid Website: www.minitracks.fr MINITRACKS No. 9 continues with their successful 80 page full color layout magazine strictly for Braille Scale armor modelers (1/72 thru 1/87 scales) and much, more. Typeset equally in French and English (photos are in English) so you won't miss a thing, subscribers now get two 80 page issues per year delivered on schedule. MINITRACKS offers exclusive resin kits made available for purchase only to subscribers. The first one, a Citroen Kegresse P28 half-tracked armored car is already down to small quantities. The latest two are variants of the Renault YS tracked vehicle, including DeGaulle's command variant. Furthering their commitment to modelers by modelers, the publishers have arranged special discounts for subscribers with two European hobby shops, one manufacturer and the Samur armor museum! This issue's special theme (thema) is a report from their original research into French archives that define and describe Hotchkiss H-35 tank camouflage and markings, similar to the reportage previously done for the Somua S35 and Renault tanks. The article is replete with period photos, color illustrations and an adjoining RPM H-35 diorama article and actual photos of an H-35s engine and fighting compartments. With the tank just barely making it onto the WWI battlefield, one wouldn't think that just as important was the logistical need for tank transporters (think Dragon Wagon). MINITRACKS provides an article on actual vehicles used, as well as an adjoining diorama article of a RPM Renault FT Signal Tank offloading from a Retrokit Knox 35 tractor with la Buire trailer. Dragon's new Pzkpw IV F1 is treated to a winter diorama scene utilizing Revell and Part embellishments, as well as converted AB figures. A simple, salt-free technique to show a Panzer gray scheme breaking through the winter white wash is a "must try." UM's BT-7 by Patrick Lapalu makes a marvelous monotone green overall finish that you could do, finishes it on a base representing "somewhere in Mongolia" ca 1939 when Russian General Jukov (Zhukov?) crushed the Japanese at the Battle of Khalkhin Ghol which convinced the Japanese not to invade Russia from the East, later leaving Russian Siberian troops available to stop the Germans in front of Moscow and ultimately push them back. Unheard of by most Western WWII history buffs, it was a small battle with major consequences that spelled doom for the Nazis. Lapalu converted two Preiser figures with revised facial gestures to capture the moment for posterity! An example of Minitrack's innovative approach to model building is a featured article teaming up the Academy M-26 Dragon Wagon with trailer transporting the Trumpeter LCM MK III for the Crossing of the Rhine. Trumpeter's LCM was chosen over DML's because DML's model is a waterline version, and the older Aifix LCM that stood alone for over 30 years, shows its age. Keeping it within the skill level of most modelers, modeler Phillippe Edern explains how he brought his monotone gray LCM and monotone O.D. M-26 and trailer to life. For added realism, Phillippe added some missing details, including lumber and tie downs that would support the LCM while traveling. The simple base has three Italeri infantrymen walking by, which gives an excellent scale reference. While most subjects are 1/72-76 scales, Minitracks also caters to HO military railroad modelers with a 1/87 subject. This issue features a flatcar with a Dutch company, Artitec's Sdkfz 8 rad (FU). The Sdkfz gets some improvements including removal of the molded on tools and replacement by Hauler tools. The metallic screens over the exhaust mufflers are replaced. Crew are Preiser (note when buying Preiser figures that many are available in both 1/87 and 1/72 scales. Order the ones you want!) The weathered, finished ensemble look real enough to keep an eye out for an allied Jabo turning on its wing to make a pass! With so much jammed into the magazine, I have to just present you with a tease and let you decide whether to check it out yourself. You'll find a rare article on the Ace 1/72 French six wheeled ERC-90 Sagaie. It was deployed throughput French colonies. Four ADV Mini soldiers were used, and the three layer base depicts a water bank with U-Model palm trees. A final model building article represents an actual scene from 21 Aug 1944. When the 3rd Co., Schwere Panzer Abteilung 503, Tiger II numbered #300, driven by Gotthold Wunderlich, lost its left track in front of the Meurice farm. Eduard's zimmerit is applied to the excellent Revell kit, along with other improvements that made a very good kit even better. Using the famous "if you can't see it, fake it" principle, modeler Lapalu shows the "detailed" driver compartment before closing up the hull. Other Preiser crew figures were used. Minitracks is famous for its "real" coverage and this issue has 55 photos of real, restored military vehicles and model entries from the July "War and Peace Show" in Beltring, Kent (a sample of the thousands that were present), the late August "Tanks in Town" show in Mons, Belgium, and similar ones in early Sept at Souchez, France, Bethune, France and Fort de l'lmmerhof of the Maginot line. Photos from the French Samur museum model show and Euromilitaire capped off the article. Book reviews, new kit announcements and ads complete the issue. MINITRACKS also maintains a first class website, and cross section of subjects readers enjoy. If your hobby shop doesn't carry some of the European mfr snail scale models mentioned, there are several mail order companies that have ads in MINITRACKS so one way or another if you want it, you can get it. MINITRACKS offers a few sheets of waterslide decals in both 1/72 and 1/35 but these, and back issues of their publications, are selling fast. Small scale has always been especially popular in Europe, it has been growng bigger every year at our National, Regional and even local contests. Mike Salzano (who builds amazing small scale armor models) has been sponsoring the "Best Braille Scale Armor Award" at our annual RepLIcon Long Island, NY show and at the 2010 Region I Noreastcon in recognition of the scales growing popularity. IPMS has honored Art Gerber by naming our "Best Armor" award after him. He is best known for his Braille scale models. Our 2011 IPMS-USA Nationals is going back to Phoenix, where if I may remind you, the last time they sponsored the Nats a 1/72 Abrams took best armor and if I recall, BEST IN SHOW. I heartily recommend MINITRACKS. It should be at your favorite hobby shop, otherwise contact them at http://www.minitracks.fr/index.htm, info@edbarbotin.com, Tel. : 00 (33) 02-37-49-84-76 or EDITIONS DU BARBOTIN, 20, La Deniserie, 28240 LES CORVEES LES YYS FRANCE. They are represented by STEVENS INTERNATIONAL - POB 126, MAGNOLIA, N.J. 08049, http://www.stevenshobby.com, MISSION MODELS - 3038 Glendale Blvd., LOS ANGELES, CA 90039 - http://www.missionmodels.com/, SNOW LEOPARD - 700 Creekmont Dr., ROUND ROCK, TX 78681 and WINGS N TREADS - 5515 51st St NW - ROCHESTER, MN 55901. Many thanks to Stevens and MINITRACKS for the review copy.