Guideline Publications: Military Modelcraft International, November 2023
Another month, another 100 pages of excellent modelling articles and features from the folks at Guideline Publications UK. The November issue is another win- filled with models from WWII and beyond, including a focus on the FV701 Ferret Scout Car. Managing Editor David Grummitt speaks of the then upcoming (now past) Scale Model Challenge in the Netherlands and how print media is still a major source of excellent reporting of these major shows- as is proven later in the issue with a review of the August IPMS/USA Nationals in San Marcos, TX.
The News at the Front section features looks at some of the latest releases- with an in-depth article from Rob Riviezzo on Sweden-based DemonBarberDesign, as well as new products from Miniart, ICM, Tyrell Models tools, Scale Colors, Fore Hobby, FC Modeltrend, and FoxHopp Models. Four pages of Quartermaster's Stores previews follow and I am really enjoying the larger, easier to see product thumbnails in this section.
Scale Model Challenge hadn't happened yet at the time of the printing for this issue as previously mentioned- so the preview article shows off images and flyer art from past shows.
Alex Clark starts the model articles off with his "T-72B Model 1985" showcasing his build of the 1/72 3-D printed Camel Model T-72B1 kit. Small parts count and excellent quality printing makes this one particularly stunning.
"Do Not Let Them Rust in Peace" from José Luiz is up next. José builds up Takom's 1/35 M47 E/M "2 in 1" kit and thoroughly documents the steps he took to make it abandoned. The photos really are reminiscent of some of the weathering specials we have come to know from AMMO and others. A Kit Review of the M47 Patton follows the article with examples of available kits and aftermarket items for the tank.
MP Robinson and Thomas Seignon write twin articles for the Armour in Profile section that features the FV701 Ferret Scout Car. The timing for these is perfect to go along with the upcoming Airfix kit of the Ferret. The articles are full of excellent black and white and color reference photos, 5 color profiles drawn by Sławomir Zajączkowski, and some neat photos from the French manual for the Ferret. Following up is a build of a French Ferret by Seignon using the Hart Models 1/48 kit.
Newcomer to the magazine Theodosis Giannakidis creates a tribute to the battles of the Gustav Line in 1944 in "Hold the Line!" The article features the 2001 Dragon Sd.Kfz.2 Kleines Kettenkrad w/ Püppchen set up on a scratchbuilt foam base of the Italian mountains.
"Berlin Bleibt Deutsch!" is up next- written by David Strauss. David places his unique Das Werk 1/35 Borgward IV Panzerjäger 'Wanze' with accompanying scratched figures on an interesting multi-level base.
Łukasz Orczyk-Musiałek builds up the Rye Field Models 1/35 Sd.KFz. 167 StuG IV Early Production in "The 'Other' Stug". The unique shark mouth scheme really makes this one stand out, as well as the different camo patterns.
John Bonanni reports from August's IPMS/USA Nationals Convention in San Marcos, TX for this month's Showtime.
This month's At the Bench feature highlights someone that should be well known to AMPS show circuits-- Rob Riviezzo. A newer contributor to the magazine, many of us have know Rob's work- especially the unpainted variety- to be top notch. I like that the article features some painted and unpainted examples of his work.
The magazine concludes with book reviews of 3 Osprey books and one from AK Interactive/Abteilung 502, as well as a sneak peak at next month's issue.
Conclusion
MMI never fails to provide a full spread of interesting and meaningful resources for the modeler. There is an excellent mix of models in multiple genres to appease any modeler at any level. As always, here is a link to the Guideline Publications website www.guidelinepublications.co.uk and US customers can subscribe to MMI and pay in US dollars at www.guidelinepublicationsusa.com
Highly Recommended for Beginner to Advanced builders.
Thanks goes out to Guideline Publications for this review sample.
Reviewed by Michael Reeves
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