Osprey Publishing

Modelling Armoured Vehicles

by  G. Edmundson, J. Carswell, T. Cockle, G. Davidson, & S. van Beveren

Reviewed By  Floyd S. Werner, Jr., IPMS# 26266

MSRP: $19.95 ISBN: 978-1-84603-287-5 Website: www.ospreypublishing.com How do they do that? I’ve asked this question numerous times when viewing armored models. They look so realistic and perfectly weathered. While I’m known for my airplane and helicopter models, I do enjoy doing the occasional armor piece. The problem has always been how to get results I would be proud to call my own. Books from the Osprey Publishing modeling series like, "Modelling Armored Vehicles" are just what I need. Over 250 inspirational photos, how-to details, and literally everything that a beginning armor modeler could need. Does that mean that an advanced modeler couldn’t learn from this book? Not at all, there is plenty of information for all. Typical of this modeling book series, this softbound book is well illustrated and very helpful. Aimed at the beginner to intermediate modeler (which is where I consider myself), the book really highlights the techniques necessary to produce superior models. Many of the other Osprey modeling books concentrate on a particular subject. However, this book chooses to focus on the techniques. Throughout the book the techniques are demonstrated on a Tamiya Char BI, a LAV-25, Panzer III, a Jagdpanther and finally a FIST-V. So, from the selection of subjects, you can see the entire spectrum of armor is addressed. Another thing that you will notice is that the authors, every one of them, are experts in the field and they seamlessly take you through the processes. I know that collaborations are difficult sometimes, however, these guys created a very useful book. The chapter breakdown is References and Planning, Basic Construction, Advanced Construction and Techniques, Painting and Finishing, and Presentation. Unlike many of the books of the Osprey Modelling series this book contains the bulk of the information in the text and not the captions. That doesn’t mean the captions aren’t helpful just that more of the information is in the text. The photographs are very useful and very clear. They, along with the text, show you everything that an aspiring armor modeler could need to know. Dealing with resin and photo-etch is discussed. When dealing with resin, a paragraph on basic casting proved very useful to me. Scratch building is addressed and you get to see how to make the TOW launcher. It is very interesting to see the parts take shape and how they are developed. Techniques for producing cast steel, Zimmerit, and weld beads are discussed. Weathering, which in my opinion makes an armor model come alive, is demonstrated with preshading, post-fading, filters, washes, streaks, paint chipping, rust marks, dust and dirt are discussed and shown. Finally bringing all of this together is a chapter on diorama building. This book is a wealth of knowledge in a small package. It really is a one-stop shop for a beginning armor modeler. I highly recommend this to any beginner or intermediate modeler trying to improve his knowledge and skills of armor models. I really enjoyed the whole book. The authors had a lot of information to convey and I think they did a great job of doing it. For the money, this book is a real value for the average modeler. So if you are an airplane builder looking to branch out or an armor guy trying to improve your skills, this book is your answer. Thanks to Osprey Publishing for the review copy.