This is the sixth issue of Kagero's Photosniper series and as the title suggests, it is a lot of very nice photographs of the subject. In this case it is the BMW R-75. The subtitle is 'and other BMW motorcycles in the German Army 1930-1945' and much of the historical background covers the 'other' part of the subtitle.

We are provided with a nice history or BMW from its origins until it was brought together as a company under the Bavarian Motor Werks name. Most of the first several pages have photos of the R-12 variant as used in the early stages of the war. The photos then switch to the R-75, though the R-12 is still in there along with the R-35 and some other variants.

Where the book really kicks into gear is with the section that is basically a walk-around for the R-75 using a superbly restored version owned by the AA7 Reenactment Association (Poland). Here we get to look at all the various bits and pieces of the actual vehicle. This sort of thing is just what most modelers want to see.

The last third or more are a series of superbly done 3D artwork of various bikes and sidecars with details of the engine, transmission and the sidecar as well. Several of these illustrations show the motorcycle and the sidecar without external encumbrances so we can see how the framework is done. Various camouflage schemes and unit markings as well as different types of equipment are included in these illustrations. I should mention that 3D does not mean colored glasses are required!

In all, it is an excellent reference book for not only the enthusiast, but the modeler as well.

January 2013

Review book courtesy of the fine folks at Kagero. Visit them for more books.

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