This is another book in Osprey's superlative 'Masterclass' series of how to books. The 192 pages of color are enclosed in an easy to use hardcover spiral bound book that keeps the pages open and flat. This allows the modeler to more easily use this reference to duplicate or use the information provided as a guide.

Unlike other Osprey modeling books, this one concentrates on dioramas and vignettes, with little said about any figures or models other than to have them as part of the finished product.

Author Richard Windrow has done a previous book on the subject, but this one is all new, aside from some amendments in the Materials, Tools, and Tips section. This opening section covers all the items used in the following articles. In the back of the book is a specific listing by company and where these might be found in the UK and US.

There are five full diorama articles. These cover a nice variety of subjects and so maximize the techniques used in the book. The first one is a WWI trench system, followed by a mottle-and-bailey castle from the middle ages. This is followed by a US Northeastern forest scene from the French and Indian War period. As trees are so important in this display, additional space is given to how to construct realistic trees. Then there is a Techniques section on how to do mud and water, ice and snow, and the use of false perspective.

The next article is a Victorian era Walled Garden and finally, probably the most intensive piece in the book, a WWII rubble strewn street, complete with bombed out houses.

There are few books as truly useful as ones like this. Modelers of every skill level will be able to find things that they can do to help improve the look of their presentations. Thanks to the copious number of quality color images that accompany each article, those with the will should be able to follow what was done with ease. It is a book that I can most highly recommend to you.

August 2007

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