For many of us, doing justice to a figure is something we can only hope to achieve. Truth is that with enough practice (as in doing a lot of figures), we can obtain a modicum of success in this area. However, it is always nice to have a guide or two to give us inspiration and provide step by step instructions on what needs to be done.

Mark Bannerman has done just that with this latest edition in the Osprey Modelling series.

Modelling Panzer Crewmen of the Heer  follows much of the same format as other in this series. There is the usual introduction that includes a section on tools that will be very handy. Then there is a section on figure types, choosing an appropriate figure and prepping a figure for painting.

Then there is the meat of the book; the work on the figures themselves. These are all classified as to difficulty and none of them are listed 'basic'!

1.    Panzertruppen, Poland 1939 - Intermediate - Painting Black Uniforms
2.    Panzertruppen, Afrika Korps 1942 - Advanced - Painting Afrika Korps Uniforms
3.    Sturmartillerie - Advanced - Painting Sturmartillerie two-piece denim
4.    Panzertruppen Eastern Front - Master - Scultping a figure
5.    Sturmartillerie Italy, 1943 - Advanced - Painting small scale (1/48) figures.

This is followed by several Special Techniques such as painting faces, painting hands, painting tan-water pattern camo, using oils, and weathering clothing. All extremely useful information and with many photos showing the steps needed to achieve the results.

It is all followed by the usual sections on kits and accessories, references and the painting guide section. In line with others in this series, all the photos are in full color and there are many step by step sequences along with a detailed description of what is being done.

In all, an extremely useful publication for those who need some help with their figures, and especially for those concentrating on German Tank crews.

September 2006

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