Modelling the Late Panzerkampfwagen IV

Pic 1, Pic 2, Pic 3,

Modelling the Late Panzerkampfwagen IV
Authors: Tom Cockle & Gary Edmundson
Paperback - 80 pages
Publisher: Osprey
Series: Osprey Modelling 38
Price: £12.99
ISBN: 9781846031120

Introduction

A recent release from the osprey publishing house is number 38 in their range of modelling titles. This release is aimed at the panzer IV enthusiast, and anticipates that the modeller has a good base grounding of skills as the projects dealt with begin at intermediate level through advanced and finally master.

The Book

The book consists of a brief introduction which gives an abridged history of the use and development of the panzer IV, and this is followed by a second brief chapter outlining the tools used throughout the projects documented. Following on from this are the four main chapters dealing with the projects at hand, each model/chapter starts with the construction and source of various components, which consists of some very healthy shopping lists if you wanted to recreate one of the examples yourself, this leads into techniques and methods and details specific areas to finally arrive at the finished article. These vary from soldering photo etch brass, scratch building using plastic card and producing resin castings from a given or constructed master. It is worth noting that the text and the accompanying images do not repeat themselves, so they work hand in hand to show and describe the various methods and techniques used. The photographs themselves are excellent, clear and full of detail, as the adage says ' a picture speaks a thousand words'.

After the construction is completed, the painting and weathering of the kit is dealt with in just as much detail, and finally shown displayed upon a diorama or scenic setting. The next chapter is a brief gallery of modelled panzer IV, and briefly outlined with how and with what the project was assembled and colours and techniques used in the finishing process. Next up is a list of museums and which variation of panzer IV is held. Following on from this is a listing of Further reading, media and web links,, a very useful chapter in its own right!

And finally the last chapter deals with available kits and accessories , and highlights the positives and negatives of each. The very last page is a removable RAL colour chart showing the colours used throughout.

Pic 4, Pic 5, Pic 6,

Conclusion

In conclusion this is a very useful book for every modellers bookshelf as many of the techniques dealt with can be used extensively by all. For those that love the panzer IV and its many variations then it's a must!

Thanks to Osprey for providing the review sample.

For full information on all Osprey Publishing titles, please see their website: Osprey Publishing