TANKART 4 German Armor is the fourth TA book and second one to cover the always popular subject, WWII German Armor. This 2^nd Edition printing expands on the original edition by 64-pages utilizing additional chapter material to provide greater coverage. Each chapter inside TA4 has been given more pages to help cover on the processes better, including more images of the various steps, ideas, and thoughts behind each project or technique discussed.

• 8.5" x 9.5", expanded content from 224 to 288-pages.
• Matte-lamented softcover with Lay-Flat binding.
• Expanded Technique Proficiency chapter.
• Expanded Winter Whitewash section covering 5 models.
• 4 main model chapters showcasing an Ardennes Tiger II (Prod Turret w/zimmerit), Grille Ausf M in hard-edge 3-tone camo, a whitewashed Sturm 33B, and late-war Nashorn in disc camo.
• Special guest author chapter by Mario Eens and his Buetepanzer Char B1 bis.

Having TANKART 1 German Armor in my library, I jumped at the chance to review TANKART 4 German Armor (2^nd Edition). I find Michael Rinaldi’s armor modeling, and more so his painting and weathering, to be jaw-dropping. What I love about the TankArt series’ books is that through photography and well-explained steps, he shows you exactly how he achieves his results.

Chapters include:

• Introduction
• Technique Proficiency
• Disc Camo SBS
• Whitewash SBS
• Panzergrau SBS.1
• Panzergrau SBS.2
• Panzergrau SBS.3
• Winter Whitewash
• Sd.Kfz 182 Tiger II
• Sd.Kfz 164 Nashorn
• Sd,Kfz 138/1 Grille Ausf. M
• Sturminfanteriegeschutz 33B
• Mario Eens – Pz.Kpfw B2 740(f)

The introduction is a thoughtful essay by Mr. Rinaldi explaining his thoughts and experiences behind his artistic theories, and further encouraging the modeler to develop a new mantra regarding the processes involved in building, painting, and weathering models.

The technique proficiency chapter delves into applying pinwashes, blending, layers & stippling, the famous “Hair Spray Technique”, whitewash chipping, pigments, speckling, and pushing beyond a project that has stalled.

The Step-By-Step (SBS) chapters are like master classes for each technique demonstrated. The close-up photography and step-by-step written instructions give clear indicators how to improve your skillset. Really, every chapter is a Master Class.

At the end of each of the specific vehicle chapters is a “Quick Reference Step-by-Step”. This is a series of small, stepwise photos of each step of the process, printed across 2 pages. Each photo has an explanation of what is going on (construction, painting, pinwashes, etc.) with the corresponding range of pages listed so you can go right to that section. I find this to be a useful tool to see an overview of the entire process, as well has how to find the in-depth explanations quickly.

Oil Paint Rendering is described and the process explained thoroughly, allowing the reader to develop and utilize a new weathering technique.

As painting and weathering techniques are demonstrated, precise paints/colors/pigments are named, and often shown in pictures. This type of attention to detail is rife throughout the entire book, and leaves the modeler without question which to use to achieve the desired effects.

Owning this book, or any of the TANKART volumes will help to greatly improve the skillsets of even the most casual armor modeler. The explanation of techniques, the photos, and the inspiration they provide are a valuable asset to the modelers’ armamentarium. Highly, highly recommended.

My thanks and gratitude to Casemate, Rinaldi Studio Press, and IPMS/USA for this review sample.