Model Laboratory - Pz.Kpfw.VI Tiger I '313' S.Pz.Abt.505 Book Review

By Michael Benolkin

Review

Here's another nice monograph from Accion Press Modelismo, this one starting from subject selection to finished project. The author wanted to find and replicate a Tiger tank that had sustained a significant number of direct hits and still remained combat effective. Going through photo references, he selected Tiger 313 of the 505 Heavy Panzer Battalion as his subject and Tamiya's 1/35 Tiger I Ausf.E as his canvas.

As with other titles in this series, the author walks through the construction, correction, and detailing of the kit, providing the sources of key items such as tracks and photo-etched details. Once the project is assembled, the author walks through the steps of how to replicate the dents and gouges left where Soviet tank rounds merely bounced off the Tiger's armor. Even the small dents from machine gun fire are replicated in the thinner side skirts.

With the model complete, the author lays out the steps for painting, weathering, and replicating all of the small details from rust to oil spills that can be seen in the photos of this tank. In the end, the results are quite impressive and this monograph provides the reader with the tutorial and information on how to achieve similar results in their own modeling.

This monograph is really well-done to take the experienced model builder and provide some advanced painting and weathering techniques which will apply to a wide range of subjects. This looks like a series worth keeping around for handy reference when you're trying to remember a unique technique or two that will help you take your next project to the more advanced level.

My sincere thanks to Accion Press for this review sample!