Introduction

Tankograd Publishinghas once again released another batch of books just in time for Christmas, there are 8 new titles hitting the shelves or available online and all 8 will be seen on here over the coming weeks. First we take a look at one of the latest In Detail Fast Track releases covering the M109A6 Paladin. This book will I suspect come in very handy for those modellers who have either the AFV Club or Riich Model releases or are considering obtaining either of them.

Review

An important note that needs highlighting is that the printing of this title is limited to 999 copies and so if you decide you want one do not hang about. The M109A6 Paladin is No:4 in the In Detail Fast Track from Tankograd Publishing. The book is a paperback offering containing 40 pages and is roughly A4 in size. There are 89 colour photographs covering most aspects of the M109A6 Paladin. The book begins with a couple of pages of text, this text is short and to the point, it is not the intention of this book series to provide large swathes of text merely to provide a background. The text segment in this title is all in English and examines;

• A quick history of the M109 Series
• The differences between the M109A1 through to the M109A6
• The M109A6 Paladin in more detail
• The M109A7

The book then moves onto the photographs of the M109A6 Paladin. It should be said at this point that all of the photographs in this title have good descriptive captions. The images begin with a series of wide angle shots that show the M109A6 either on the move, static or in firing positions. These images provide a number of very good weathering references for the modeller.

The first area of the vehicle covered by Tankograd Publishing is the hull. The images guide you around the hull in a logical progression and pointing out features that may not immediately catch your eye. For me this area provides an important guide to the accurate placement of anti-slip texture and also lets you see exactly what you are trying to replicate. In addition it provides reference on the small details that may have been missed on a model, this will allow the modeller to scratch build the missing details if so desired.

The suspension is tackled next, this section is very brief and comprises of only three images, it does how much the track will sag. More importantly it does show what tracks look like in use, it also illustrates which areas develop a worn shiny appearance. There is very little rust present and what there is, is light.

The turret is the next area looked at and again follows a logical progression. I again like that the vehicle photographed is an operational vehicle and shows the dirt that accumulates on it. This provides that all important accurate weathering reference particularly around the muzzle brake. After a recent issue with trying to track down specific images of another Howitzer, I am pleased to see that the tools and fuel/water cans that are located in various places on the turret get the same attention. Perhaps the images that will invaluable to the modeller will be the top of the turret which again covers that anti-slip texture, not to mention many of the small details which are so easily missed.

The final area looked at is the interior; I suspect the interior will be of limited interest for many modellers building a model out of the box, but for those who want to show something inside the turret through the many hatches that could be left open, certainly on the AFV Club offering, then this section will make the book worthwhile in its own right. You are provided with a good view around the interior and this includes images of the breech and loading mechanism at various stages.

Conclusion

I have very quickly become a fan of these books of pure photographic reference, aimed directly at the model builder this title will allow you to add touches to your model of the M109A6 and know that you have proof should someone argue. As this book and others in the series are aimed directly at the modeller there is just one thing that would finish these titles off to perfection, this would be the inclusion of a 1/35th and 1/72nd scale set of drawings. This title is another great addition to a rapidly growing selection and I look forward to its continued growth.