Model Art

Panzer Graph! #15 Winter, 2009

Reviewed By  Jack Bruno, IPMS# 25313

MSRP: ¥2200 ($22.50) 132 pages Website: www.modelart.jp Today in the mail came another exciting PANZERGRAPH from Model Art. I couldn't wait for this one to come because it just happened to coincide with a project that I'm in the process of doing right now, Berlin, 1945. There are seven full dioramas that are covered and all are very well planned and thought out along with in progress shots so us amateurs can see how it's done. "Ghost in Berlin" is a wonderful concept piece that includes a EMHAR Mk IV Female WWI Tank, obliviously pushed into service in front of a building as an SU-100 rolls in front. The building rubble is as well done as the figures. Figures?? Speaking of which, another full size diorama is a changing of the flags outside of a Government Building. The build-up of the building is wonderful and brought off very well. The next subject is smaller but features a Dragon Tiger II and the paint job on this cat is just great! For you models that have an early Panther G and wish to do something spectacular-there is a knocked out Panther that will just make your eyes water with the skillful detail the author put into this. But wait, there's even more-a Tamiya JSII that was ambushed between buildings by a tank hunter team. It is wonderfully done down to the bedspring armor on the tank. I would have thought a T-34/85 too, but it comes off very well all the way down to the Panzerfaust! The next feature is a ISU-152 rumbling down a street that was caught tangled up in obstacles while the crew scrambles out due to sniper fire. Again, the figures are just outstanding. There is also a postwar Willys Jeep with a couple of GI's trying to charm a few local gal's. Coming attractions are always fun and the Tamiya Jagdtiger is in all it's glory on the rear cover. On to the rest of the articles this month- we have a small vignette that use's the Dragon 11.Frw.Pz.Gren.Div "Nordland" figure set. It is a winter 1944/45 schemes and is simple well done to say the least! The next big diorama is a three-story building that feature the locals cleaning up the bricks while the Russian Guards stand near. There is a well done 88 Flak sitting in the street. Very Good Work here! The next small diorama features the Alan Hobby "Waffentrager." The is the first time I saw one of these in kit form and it's now on my hit list too!!!! There are a few more surprises included between the covers but you really have to enjoy all of the extra tidbits that add to the effect of each diorama; buckets, glasses, dogs, chairs, furniture and the like that fills yet does not corrupt the feeling of the piece. Again, most of the figures used are all changed/enhanced/converted to enhanced the integrity of the Diorama. This is the best issue yet!!!!! My thanks to Model Art for the chance to review this fine publication.