Number 30 in the Osprey Modelling series is this one on the Panther Tank. It follows a very familiar format which includes a brief introduction (which includes the various kits available for each subtype), a few pages on tools and materials and then gets into the heart of the book, which is building the various kits with the usual plethora of aftermarket parts and/or scratchbuilding.

None of these are for the beginner and even the intermediate build is somewhat daunting for the un-initiated. Most fall into the advanced or master class. This does not mean that duplicates couldn't be built by most armor modelers, just that the degree of difficulty is rather high and not to be rushed into without some advanced knowledge or skills.

The builds are as follows:

• Panther A using the DML kit as a basis - Intermediate

• Panther D using the DML kit - Advanced

• Panther G (late) using the Tamiya kit - Master

• Bergepanter A using the DML kit - Advanced

• Pantherturm - Advanced

This is followed by five pages of photographs of others' Panther kits. Then a list of museums, a bibliography, list of accessories and decals and the usual page of camo colors. All of the photos in the book are in full color and there are the usual 'in work' images to show how things are progressing.

For those of you who are into the 1/35 Panther (for no other scales are built), then this is a book that you'll find of immense interest. The rest of us will be able to glean some interesting and useful techniques in weathering and assembly from it while we hone our skills into tackling similar projects.

 For more on the complete line of Osprey books, visit www.ospreypublishing.com

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