Issue No. 52 of AFV Modeller has the usual mix of articles and special features that this magazine is known for. However, the emphasis of most the articles in this issue seems to be on weathering. I know that weathering is in the eye of the beholder and some may not be convinced that a heavily weathered vehicle is appropriate. Nevertheless, the articles provide illustrated instructions on how to get the job done.

The cover article, on the odd German vehicle known as the Minenraumer, uses the 1/35 scale RPM kit. Rather than concentrating on constructing the kit, the focus of Albert Lloret’s article is on weathering this unusual vehicle. In a step-by-step process, Mr. Lloret provides a number of techniques using masking, diluted paint, and weathering powders to produce a well weathered vehicle.

Two other World War Two vehicles are highlighted in articles, the Dragon 1/35^th JSU 122 and the Dragon’s Panzer VI ausf. B. As with the previous article, Michelangelo Sicilia focuses on modeling and weathering the JSU 122. Using thinned paint, weathering powders, and dry-brushing, Mr. Sicilia provides an overview on weathering Russian vehicles.

The final World War Two weathering-related article is a battered King Tiger. Making some slight modifications to the turret to provide the illusion of a newer turret on an older body, Pawel Rzymski goes through another step-by-step process of showing this hybrid. At the back of the magazine is a short article on weathering a Bulgarian version of Tristar’s 1/35 38T kit.

There is only one modern kit featured in this issue. Chris Leeman shows how to modify the Dragon 1/35 M1A1 Abrams kit to a USMC model of the same vehicle. Using an Eduard photoetch set, Leeman added a wading trunk and heavily weathered features to transform the army variant in a USMC variant of the M1A1. As with the previous article, though with considerably less photographs, Mr. Leeman provides an overview of his techniques.

For the last several issues, the editor of the magazine has been providing an excellent illustrated guide to modifying, improving, and detailing that Trumpeter 1/16 King Tiger with a full interior. Previous articles have focused on the engine, suspension, etc. The focus of this issue is the turret basket and elevation mechanism for the main gun. Using photo-etch, Archer fine transfers, and hand mixed paints, the author does a fantastic job of correcting errors in the kit and fine detailing the interior. I am looking forward to seeing the final product!!!

The issue is rounded out with several photo essays and the ubiquitous modeling reviews. In light Bronco’s relatively new Opel Olympia car kit, Alan Ranger provides a mix of excellent black and white photographs of the Olympia in German service. David Doyle continues his series on the Sherman tank, this time featuring the M4A3E8. As with previous photo essays, the article provides a variety of close ups and profile views of this Sherman variant.

My thanks to AFV Modeller for providing IPMS/USA this issue for review.