Osprey's Modelling series has reached #43 with this one on Modelling Armored Vehicles. Unlike most of the previous editions, this one is much more a how-to book than a series of build articles. In fact, there are no complete builds in these covers. Using the experiences and talents of five modelers, this book covers all you need to know, from basics to more advanced modeling.

To be sure, each modeler is working on only one subject at a time, so there is not a willy-nilly mixture of projects. Each is concentrating on specific areas of armor modeling in such a way as to make the experience that much more meaningful. As with all in this series, the information provided is highlighted by a lot of well photographed, full color images so you can see how to get from the raw beginning to the detailed conclusion.

The book starts with an introduction into the five models being made and the additional parts and materials used in each one. It then goes into a section on references and construction planning before starting on the basic construction portion itself. Then it is on to more advanced construction, which includes using aftermarket parts, scratch-building and enhancing surface texture to name a few. Then it moves on to painting and finishing the model before tackling the final section on presentation. This last item includes building and populating dioramas or just building a simple base.

The end result is a well rounded publication and a book that I can easily recommend to you. I know that every experience level will find it to be useful.

December 2008

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