PANZER ACES 55, Paper Panzers (Accion Press/Euromodelismo)
Another superb special bookazine (No.55) directly from the masters of Euromodelismo & Accion Press SA of Spain!
“Panzer Aces” special editions manage to amaze armor modellers when a new title is coming out, and this latest, No.55, features a popular subject of the "Paper Panzers" of Germany in WWII. Five tanks that never saw service - but what a difference they make in a collection, allowing the modeller to use many new techniques! All five are “What if” subjects - incredibly popular with modellers, with vivid imagination.
In No.55 issue, we get sixty-four pages. There are no advertisements to broke your enjoyment while reading. Five builds made up, painted and weathered by expert modellers, some of them you may have seen being built on the social media, but not in the detail they are shown here. Each article if structured in easy to follow step-by-step/WIP (Work In Progress) photos with explanatory captions that share the techniques, painting camouflages and weathering effects.
Contents of No.55 issue:
2.- WAFFENTRAGER KRUPP STEYR
14.- E-25
26.- MAUS
34.- E-100
48.- WAFFENTRAGER ARDELT
60.- MODELLING LESSONS
The first, Oscar Ebri's Waffentrager Krupp Steyr in 1/35 scale is based on the Trumpeter kit and is really captivating, as it shows not only the weathering and painting of the tank but also the construction process. This vehicle was known only by very few photos of the original two prototypes.You will find an easy method for making a highly attractive circular camo scheme. More than 50 photos show all the detail.
The E-25 vehicle, by David Perez, is also coming from a Trumpeter 1/35 scale kit. It is a mid-run AFV from the Entwicklung series: wedge shaped which makes it very impressive. The paint schemes are masked in a complex manner but made more simple to understand with the step by step coverage in the article. David illustrates his use of many techniques including hairspray, chip, dirt and splashes. A useful color chart with all paint materials used is also included.
The Maus, by Kreangkrai Paojinda, is third. The theme of the front cover and perhaps the most interesting vehicle of all five. The author used the older Dragon kit in 1/35th scale. We see some amazing work and all steps in weathering and finishing the kit. The work with the cloth on the side of the tank is just fantastic and we also get an explanatory color/paint chart.
E-100 Predator on Patrol, Berlin 1946: The model, made by José Brito is based on the Trumpeter 1/35 scale kit and is shown with two different turret versions in the construction process. A huge Krupp turret from an aftermarket Cammett resin set and the standard, smaller turret provided by Trumpeter. An excellent build from start to finish, with detailed construction work, scratch building, painting, scratching and damaging the kit to extensive weathering and finishing in a beautiful diorama. You will find all the author’s “secrets” well explaind in text & pictures, as well charts with materials used.
Waffentrager 8,8 cm PaK 43L/71 (Ardelt) – what a beauty! The Ardelt version in 1/35 scale is build by two very talented modellers, Xavier Ruiz & Michel Perez. Xavier built the assembly and Michel painted, weathered and aged the kit. Its uncommon and strange shape make this a highly attractive piece for many modellers. Large photos show all the details.
As a bonus we get a photogallery with a 1945 King Tiger made by Mig Jimenez, a very beautiful model that will certainly inspire many modellers!
Finally, in the last chapter, is "Modelling Lessons" session, where we learn how to better detail the tracks on our latest AFV – a crucial feature on tanks many modellers don’t pay enough attention. The author shows us two different approaches to get similar, but highly accomplished finish. Painting trucks has been through a considerable metamorphosis over the years and now it is a main point of expression for a more realistic effect. Excess rust or dirt is not always the correct solution, so the author gives us some more clever options!
Last but not least the editorial in the last page: "Contests or no Contests". Read it and get some thoughtful ideas about this much debatable theme lately!
PS. It is important to note that quality section sewn binding is used for all "Panzer Aces" titles and that means that you can spread the book flat open on your workbench, as many times as you need, without danger of pages coming apart. A book that you will keep for many years and no… tears!
Panzer Aces No.55 - "Paper Panzers"
Publisher: Accion Press – Euromodelismo.com
(English version - Spanish language also available)
64 Pages, A-4 format (good quality heavy matt paper)
Price: 11 €
Available on line here.
