This is #5 in Osprey's 'Modelling the...' series and covers the Matilda Infantry tank. As with the other books it follows a specific formula of a brief historical background, a list of recommended materials and then a series of build articles, all of them profusely illustrated.

This one is no exception and it starts off with the small scale Matildas. The two kits that are highlighted are the Cromwell Models 1/76 A11 Matilda. This is a full resin model of the earliest incarnation of the Matilda and one that is quite different from what one normally thinks of when the name 'Matilda' is mentioned. Much of this article is on weathering and as such provides a lot of useful information.

The other small scale build is the Fujimi kit, also in 1/76. There is a gallery article showing the ESCI 1/72 version to round out the section.

Moving to the larger scale kits there are three articles using the Tamiya 1/35 kit and various levels of modification have been done to this kit.  One is on the flamethrower version as built by the author, then there several other builds of different sub-variants including one by tank-master Steve Zalonga. A most interesting addition is a captured Matilda that was converted to an SP by the Germans.

Build articles are followed by info and photos of tanks in museums as well as a well done bibliography of books, kits and accessories. There is also a page of color swaths Since it is done in the standard printing process, I wouldn't use it for total accuracy, but as a guide.

Overall, an excellent book on the subject. Even non armor fans will find something useful in this edition.

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