Number 28 in the Osprey Modelling series is on the Tiger tank. This time the entire book is dedicated to the 1/72 version. This shows the rapid growth of those who like to model in the smaller scales. As much because of a lack of proper space as anything. It doesn't mean that detail goes away when one works in this smaller scale. It just means that the pieces get more and more teeny!

This book returns to the usual format of a brief history, a listing of tools and materials in the front of the book. This is followed by a list of on-line resources, kits and accessories, museums, and a somewhat less than useful (because of four color printing) color chart. In other words, the usual staples of this series.

There are five build articles and as you might expect, each one takes a basic kit and adds several times its original cost in aftermarket stuff. There is also lots of scratch-building, some of it to what a few readers might consider to be to excess, but there is no denying that the end results of all of them are exceedingly impressive.

The author goes into considerable detail on correcting errors and omissions so that you can adapt his work to one of your projects. Weathering isn't as intensive on these models as I've seen in other books, and personally, I can appreciate that. Yet the final build is something to which one can marvel.

So what is covered?

1. Revell Porsche Tiger II - Intermediate

2. Dragon and Trumpeter 'Elefants' kitbashed - Intermediate

3. Revell Tiger I - Advanced

4. Dragon Sturmtiger - Advanced

5. Dragon Porsche Jagdtiger - Master

This is followed by eight pages of Gallery items showing some other models to take up what was probably some extra space.

In all, a very nicely done book and one that anyone who likes to build 1/72 armor would find of interest. I know I picked up a few things to try and I'm sure you will as well.

August 2006

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