Traplet Publications

Military in Scale December 2009

Reviewed By  Marc Blackburn, IPMS #42892

MSRP: $8.99 to the USA/Canada Subscription: 12 Months – USA/Canada; $86.00 Website: www.militaryinscale.com Traplet House, Pendragon Close, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 1GA This issue is a transition for Military in Scale. Beginning in January, the publishers are rolling out Model Aviation World (www.modelaviationworld.com), a new magazine that will cover scale aircraft modeling. Since the company’s business model is changing, the emphasis of the December issue is a plus for all of you ground pounders out there. The cover story is Nick Shuttleworth’s step-by-step build of the new 1/35 Tamiya Matilda tank. There are no surprises building this kit, it’s a typical Tamiya offering that seems to just fall together. Accompanied by clear, color photographs, it’s clear that there should not be any problems with the various subassemblies that make up the kit. The painting and weathering of the Matilda takes up as much space as the build. Clearly, if a modeler chooses the Caunter camouflage scheme (what’s seen on the cover of this issue) there is a great deal of work in producing a vehicle that looks like it has been in the western desert. Sven Frisch reviews another Tamyia kit, the Char B1 bis in its German configuration. Since most readers of the magazine are more than likely already familiar with this kit, the article is devoted to painting the tank in familiar German colors and appropriate weathering rather than a step-by-step build. Alex Clark kit bashes the Sd.Kfz.9 FAMO from the Revell and Trumpeter 1/72 kits, producing a fabulous model that features the best parts from each kit. As with the previous article on the Char B1, Mr. Clark details his painting and weathering techniques, using the hair spray method to produce a realistic Afrika Corps paint scheme with an appropriate amount of weathering. The final model feature is by Spencer Pollard who is writing the first installment of a multi-part story that will spread over several issues. The focus is a fantastic diorama titled ‘The Workshop’. ‘The Workshop’ which has been previously featured on various modeling websites (I think it can be found on hyperscale.com). The vignette is, to no surprise, a contemporary workshop that is restoring a Sherman M4A1. The selection for this issue concentrates on preparing the Tasca 1/35 M4A1 for the diorama. There are two photo features in this issue; the first is a short photo essay on Canadian and Australian light armor in Afghanistan. The essay features a host of color shots of LAVs used by coalition forces in Afghanistan which should prove useful for modelers intent on capturing the look of vehicles deployed overseas. The second essay provides highlights of the Euro Militaire Model Show held in Folkstone, United Kingdom earlier this year. The issue is rounded out by the typical kit and product reviews. My thanks to Traplet Publications and the Military in Scale editorial staff for providing IPMS/USA for providing this issue for review. For more information, please visit their web site at www.militaryinscale.com.