Ampersand Publishing has recently released issue #28 in their popular Allied-Axis series of reference magazines.
the content
As with each of the previous issues this one is chock full of photos, almost all in full page format, 8 1/2 x 11 inches. In order to uphold the integrity of Ampersands copyright I have only included a few photos of the book, for the rest you will just need to pick up a copy for yourself!
This issue includes photo features of the Sd. Kfz 6 5 ton prime mover. It has about a half page of historical background on the vehicle and 24 full page war time photos of the half track. All of the photographs are exterior shots of the vehicle, all very nice but I know many modelers would have liked to see a few pictures of the interior.
Next up is a 17 page spread on the US M5 3 inch anti-tank gun. This is a particularly good reference for modelers. Not only does it include 14 full page war time photos it also includes 15 smaller, contemporary photos of a restored example. What is nice about the latter is that they are all taken with the modeler and his needs in mind, so lots of nice clear detail photos of the gun.
This is followed up with a long article on the T1/M6 U.S. heavy tank that was eventually scrapped. The photo spread includes 17 war time shots and 36 contemporary photos of the one surviving vehicle. As with the three inch gun the contemporary photographs will be of particular use to the modeler. Currently, the only kit of the M6 is the Commander Models resin offering, but who knows if the future will see a plastic version of the behemoth. If that happens this issue will be particularly useful.
Next we have 16 photos of the Sprengladungstrager. The what? It is the remote control demolition vehicle often just called the Borgward A or B. This has good detail photos of different aspects of the tiny terror, the most of these are from one destroyed example.
The issue ends with 17 war time photos of the British Covenanter heavy cruiser tank. A good mix of full vehicle photos and more close up detail views of various areas on the tank. It also includes the only colour photo in the magazine on the back cover.
All in all, another solid effort from Ampersand that will find its way on to the shelves of many modellers around the world.
SUMMARY
Highs: Great detail photos of many of the featured vehicles/guns. Almost every picture is a well focused, high quality shot with loads of potential for modelers. Lows: Considering the number of kits available I would have liked to see some interior views of the 5 ton half-track. Verdict: Highly recommended. A great way to build an inexpensive reference library.
Our Thanks to Ampersand 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 Rick Cooper (clovis899) FROM: CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES
I have been modeling for about 30 years now. Once upon a time in another century I owned my own hobby shop; way more work than it was worth. I tip my opti-visor to those who make a real living at it. Mainly build armor these days but I keep working at figures, planes and the occasional ship.
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