The next book in Osprey's Modelling series is on the Panzerkampfwagen IV, late production vehicles. This book covers kits from both Dragon and Tamiya in 1/35 scale as its main focus. As in all of the Osprey Modelling series books, this one concentrates on a few builds but goes into great detail on what aftermarket was used and how the modeler made whatever alterations were needed to achieve the results he was seeking.

There are basically three major builds in this book.

First is an Ausf F2 variant with the Afrika Korps in 1942. This built is based on the Dragon kit of this variant and is listed as intermediate.

Next is an Ausf H version from Russia in 1944. This is based on the Tamiya kit and introduces the side skirt armor  as well as that around the turret into the mix. This is an advanced build.

The third major article is an Ausf J from East Prussia in 1944. Based on the Tamiya kit, the major external mod is that the side skirts are now screens vice armor. This build is listed as the master category.

In addition to the major builds, there are three two-page gallery builds of ausf G, H, and J versions.

All of the articles are superbly done with nice color photos showing how the builder went from base kit and a pile of aftermarket to the end product. It is full of informative hints and tips and how-to pieces that can be used by modelers of just about any genre in addition to armor builders. The book has a short introduction on the vehicle and unlike many of the more recent books in this series, there is a section on tools and materials. In the back of the book are pages on museums, references and available kits/accessories. There is also a page of color rectangles which you may find useful for your projects.

Overall, it is another fine addition to the Osprey Modelling series and is something that modelers of all interest levels will find useful.

October 2007

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