Customer Reviews

Modelling the T-34/76 (Osprey Modelling)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Having recently reviewed the new Tiger I title from Osprey I thought it would be prudent to review this title as well. The ensemble cast of authors are real experts in their relative fields and this title more than any other of the Osprey Modelling Manual series quietly overcomes the small, strict format Osprey imposes to showcase some very impressive models. The authors have done a great job to pick and choose their photos and words wisely to give a true step-by-step guide in many of the builds presented. Mig and Adam in particular, have really redefined this type of model building writing style and do a wonderful job of explaining the techniques used in such a limited space.

What is modeled in regards to the T-34-76 is very timely and shows a broad diversity of ideas using the skills of each modeler to their fullest; from the scratchbuilding ideas of Mike Kirchoff, to the amazing PE work of Jorge Alvear, to the excellent painting and weathering of Adam and Mig. How can I not give these guys 5 stars? I just wish Osprey would recognise the limits of the format and make efforts to change it for the better.

Another highly recommended title and one that does a great job of the painting aspects as well. Very helpful for bringing modelers out of the shadows of the overly dry-brushed era. A must have and another pat on the back to the superb choice of authors here.

I'm returning to military modelling after a period of 15 years out of the hobby. The first thing I noticed when I started to research paints, glues & kits is the plethora of information, new products and techniques that have developed. Where does one start?

The book is well written and concise with excellent colour photographs of modelling construction stages, special techniques used, weathering and painting.

Construction techniques are initially focussed on in detail including cutting, very basic welding, gluing, and construction of new parts from plastic discs. Then, pin and general weathering washes are dealt with, as are techniques for creating weld lines, mud on wheels, and paint chips on vehicles. The book then addresses methods to simulate a cast look to metal (ie turrets and flanking armour) and details the use of after market etching kits, explaining how to use these kits, construct the parts correctly, and finally paint and weather/damage the parts.

Four T-34 variants are covered in detail. Note that the historical perspective of the T-34, although mentioned, is quite thin. This is a book about modelling techniques - not history.

Although the modelling techniques mentioned are excellent, I feel that the book maybe a little thin in content. I would have liked to see further information on different methods of applying washes and camouflage patterns using an air brush for instance. This said, I've read the book twice and thumbed through the pages several times.

For the money, this book is highly recommended if you're a new modeller or are coming back into the hobby after several years.

8/10

The book is very nice with awesome building and painting techniques. The most relevant article is the Mig Jimenez's winter T-34. A must have it, that is for sure!