5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Modeling the Late Panzerkampfwagen IV, December 20, 2007
This review is from: Modelling the Late Panzerkampfwagen IV (Osprey Modelling) (Paperback)
Books as gifts for Christmas, Father's Day and birthdays cannot be beat! I recently obtained a copy of Osprey's Modeling the Late Panzerfampfwagen IV, by Tom Cockle and Gary Edmondson. German World War II armor has a great fascination for many modelers. I believe the many variations, camouflage and versions of the vehicles are the primary reasons for this appeal, at least for me it is. I have several modeling manuals and publications in my reference library, and my goal is to improve my building, painting and weathering techniques.
Often the publications feature articles for the master or advanced builder, and although some of the efforts shown are beyond the ability or desire of most builders, the information contained therein can be valuable and useful to many modelers. The publication date for this book is 2007, and therefore is quite recent. This is important to me: this hobby is dynamic and ever-changing. New materials and methods are constantly coming to the forefront, and I like the challenge of something new.
Contents
This book is full of excellent, close up and detailed images of models during the various construction and painting phases. The captions add clarity to the images.
The Introduction offers some information on the vehicles.
The next section reviews tools and materials normally used by modelers. Many are "required" for the more advanced work address in the advanced or master builds featured in the book.
Each build chapter identifies the subject, builder, skill level, basic kit(s) used, tracks used, photo etched parts, gun barrel and accessories used. Here, too, I like to see the accessories being identified and how they are used in the build. This gives me some idea for possible purchases and uses in future builds.
The first build is noted as an "intermediate level effort and addresses an Afrika Korps Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf F2, using parts from the then DML test shots for their IVF2(G) kit number 6360 and Italeri IVF1/G kit number 217. The builder uses Modelkasten tracks to replace the kit parts. A detailed account of the build is included. Mixing formulas for RAL 8020 Braun and RAL 7027 Grau using Tamiya acrylics is included.
The second build is a Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf H "Fruhe" version. The work uses the Tamiya Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf H, kit number 35209, and the Dragon Models kit number 6264. This is an "advanced build" with many parts being scratch built or replaced with cast resin replacements. Here, too, the kit tracks were replaced with WW II Production resin parts. Detailed explanations for the side skirts and Zimmerit are covered.
The third build is a Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf J, also and advanced level effort. The Dragon kit number 6360 and Tamiya 35181 kits are used. Photos of the completed models before painting reveal the many replacement components used in the build. A striped painting scheme is also shown.
The fourth build is also a Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf J, and is a "Master" level. One of the major parts of this build article is the soldering effort used on the photo etched parts. This lesson can prove to be useful information for those willing to go the "extra mile" in their modeling.
The last chapter addresses a gallery of Panzerkampfwagen IV models with abbreviated build descriptions.
A list of museums and collections, further reading and web sites, and available kits and accessories. A detailed list of accessories is also included and will be helpful to those willing to spend the extra money to raise the fun level bar a few notches.
Special Features
The last page is a color plate of the various RAL paint colors used on the Panzerkampfwagen IV. The flip side of the color plate identifies the model paints or mixing formulae required to achieve the color. Either my color perception is off, or there is an error in the printing but the RAL 7027 Grau and the 7028 Dunklegelb look identical. The RAL 2027 does looks just a bit lighter when held under a bright light.
Conclusion.
I am very pleased to have this book in my reference library, and will use it often as a resource. The articles include techniques and methods that are bound to help improve my modeling. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in German WW II armor. I obtained this book from Amazon, and with a total purchase of more than $25.00 I save the postage and handling.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
good book but not for the beginner, February 20, 2008
This review is from: Modelling the Late Panzerkampfwagen IV (Osprey Modelling) (Paperback)
Good book, very well illustrated, a bit outdated (given the new releases by model manufacturer).
In any case a good guide to the modeller considering also the fact that model instruction tend to be of not much help when it comes to detailing or optional parts.
However it is not a 'how to' book, but, given the general directions, lets the user guess how exactly obtain the desired results: thus I would not recomend it to the beginner.
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2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Modeling the Panzer IV - thumbs down, January 21, 2010
This review is from: Modelling the Late Panzerkampfwagen IV (Osprey Modelling) (Paperback)
On the whole, I like Osprey books, but when you cover a subject like building a model, their standard book size is too small. The content is excellent, the photos are too small, and that is a direct reflection of the format.
If you want a "how to" book on model building, look for a larger format book.
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