Trackpad Publishing will need no introduction for some modellers they are known for publishing high quality photographic reference titles. Once again this title is no different this release covers the Biber Leopard 1 Bridgelayer.
Tanks and armour require mobility and to counter this opposing armies will dig anti-tank ditches. To overcome these obstacles many armies require support from their military engineers, these military engineers will often utilise a tank based vehicle often know as an Armoured Vehicle Bridge Layer or AVLB (pronounced Av-lab). These vehicles are at times older vehicles but nonetheless essential to many major armies of the world (and a firm favourite of mine as a former Royal Engineer).
Review
The author Kenneth Østergaard has once again not disappointed us with his study of the Biber comprising of 80 pages in an A4 softcover this book will not disappoint. Trackpad Publishing are known for the attention to detail and this title really leaves no stone unturned. The book covers the vehicle it's bridge and many many details of this specialised vehicle. Interior photographs are included and these include the crew compartment and photographs of those mysterious panels seen on many vehicles. There are photographs included from other nations which operate and these include, the Dutch, Australian (now retired) and of course the Danish army.
Conclusion
Once again this is a book seriously aimed at the modeller and those with an interest in modern armour. This book certainly delivers value for money the maximum number of photographs on any one page is four and all of them in colour. For the modeller these images will provide to be very useful as they show all the areas that are often missed by the many kit manufacturers. There are a number of resin kits available of this vehicle and of course Revell of Germany produce a 1/72 version. We can all hope that this kit could be released as a styrene kit in a larger scale I am sure that this book would prove even more invaluable.
Thank you to Michael Shackleton of Trackpad Publishing for supplying this review copy.
Biber Leopard 1 Bridgelayer is published by Trackpad Publishing and is available direct or via your stockist. Priced at £16.50
SUMMARY
Highs: Value for money - crammed with photos for the modeller!Lows: None noted.Verdict: A must for Biber fans!
Our Thanks to Trackpad Publishing! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
About Brian O'Donoghue (brian638) FROM: ENGLAND - WEST MIDLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM
I began modelling way back when Matchbox appeared on the scene with their new range. It began an interest in a hobby that has spanned 40 years.... and has seen the greatest resurgence in recent years. The only breaks in the hobby have been for the usual reasons that most modellers experience; caree...
PSM and Elite both makes resin models of the Biber. The PSM kit is much newer and likely both a fit build and better quality than the Elite kit. You will not find that either kit is inexpensive due to the size and amount of parts.
I proposed to Revell-Germany years ago when they first released their 1/72 Biber that they should upscale it to 1/35. They reply was that they did not think there was sufficient interest in Engineering vehicles to justify scaling it up to 1/35.
Revell-Germany recently re-released their 1/72 Biber and again people are calling for a plastic 1/35 kit. They are losing out on a very good opportunity.
I proposed to Revell-Germany years ago when they first released their 1/72 Biber that they should upscale it to 1/35. They reply was that they did not think there was sufficient interest in Engineering vehicles to justify scaling it up to 1/35.
Revell-Germany recently re-released their 1/72 Biber and again people are calling for a plastic 1/35 kit. They are losing out on a very good opportunity.[/quote]
HobbyBoss or RoG please, Cheaper in the UK & they have most of the base vehicle...
I'd have 2 as the bridge could be used as the basis for the LEGUAN(?)
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