Format

The cover for this issue has a stunning image of Jose‘ Dusquesne‘s Pz. Kpfw. 38 (t). The publication is printed on medium-weight glossy paper, with color images on every page. In some article there are several images numbered and keyed to the text. This issue contain 64 pages.

Contents

The first article is by James Bond, and features The ICM kit of the Russian B-35, “Land Battleship”. The author put a great deal of effort into this model, and several in-progress images are included. The Fruil tracks used in this build were 24” long, and when wound about the suspension should be a model over 10” long. A land battleship for sure. Informative building techniques offered to the reader.

The second article is authored by Zack Sex, and includes two models, some aftermarket accessories and some scratch-building just to round things out. The T-54 starts with the lower hull from an ESCI kit, while the turret is from Tamiya. There is a good deal of information provided on the build as well as the unusual paint schemes. . Informative building and painting techniques offered to the reader.

The second article is followed by a series of color photos on five pages of a VT-55. Many close-ups with explanations of any changes and revisions to the base vehicle.

The next article is by Jose’ Dusquesne, and covers his build of the Sol Model 1/16^thscale Pz. Kpfw. 38 (t). This is an all-resin kit. The photography is spectacular, and will serve as a great reference for any armor builder. There are several images with narrative that walks the reader through the painting and weathering for this build. I was especially interested in how Jose’ achieved his blue-tinted Panzer grey. . Informative building, painting, and weathering techniques offered to the reader.

For the modern armor builders there is an article for the Tamiya French Leclerc by Jean-Thomas Rembert. This is not an out-of-the-box build, and once again many of the steps taken by this builder are addressed in words and pictures. The replication of a weld bead and chain are very interesting and should prove useful to many modelers. . Informative building techniques offered to the reader.

Next, the M4A3E2 “Jumbo” Sherman is featured with a six page spread of detail photos of a preserved vehicle from the collection of the Military Vehicle Technology Foundation in Portola Valley, California. Each image is accompanied by detailed text explaining the content of that image.

The magazine’s editor David Parker continues his article on Trumpeter’s 1/16^th scale King Tiger. This is part thirteen (!!) and covers the turret interior painting and details, primarily the ammunitions racks. The author goes into splendid detail on painting the main gun shells. Once again great informative building and painting techniques, along with products used offered to the reader.

Following this ongoing build of a Tiger II are several pages of new releases reviews, including models, weathering products, photo etch, figures, diorama materials and publications. These reviews can be helpful to modelers when deciding on their next purchase.

The final article is by Andrea Vignocchi and addresses the building and painting of the 1/72^nd scale Wespe Models Scammel Pioneer SV2V. This is an all resin kit. A small diorama base is included in the article as well as two figures. . Informative building techniques offered to the reader.

Conclusion

Once again AFV offers a publication addressing several interesting projects built by talented builders. At least one tip or technique can be realized from each article. I found several new ideas and product uses that I will add to my inventory of modeling knowledge.

I cannot help but recommend this publication to any armor builder. Great stuff.

Thanks to AFV Modeler Ltd and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this fine publication.