Military Model Scene

Title: Takom Panthers
Editorial Manager: Diego Quijano
Publisher: Ammo by Mig Jiminez
ISBN: 978-84-17846-40-4

A recent book from the team at Ammo of Mig Jiminez where they have worked with kit manufacturer Takom and a number of very talented modellers to produce this 208-page card-cover book. It begins with an Introduction from Charlie Pritchett, the Project Manager for Takom, who led their project to produce their range of Panther variants, a project which finally led to no less that 18 different kits. For those who have bought a Takom model you will probably have noticed that Ammo do in turn provide the artwork for the colours and marking option in their models, tied to the colours in the Ammo range. A good example of two manufacturers working closely together and supporting each other, and Ammo are also one of the European distributors for the Takom range.
The first elements of the book set the scene, with the Introduction to the Takom Panther range, along with some historical background notes, a selection of archive photos plus some pictures of surviving examples of the Ausf D, A and G variants. Then we get into the serious modelling side of the book. There are 9 chapters which then proceed though Painting the Interior: the Anatomy of the Panther, with a cutaway model showing off that interior, and done by project manager Charlie Pritchett: Late Production Ausf D, with zimmeritt: Bergepanther Ausf A, with the distinctive large earth spade at the back: Panther Ausf A: Jagdpanther AusfG1: Panther Ausf G, with the Infra-red night fighting equipment: Flakpanther: and a separate chapter on painting Tools & Equipment before rounding things off with a final chapter with a super selection of colour profiles which will give plenty of ideas for your final colour scheme.
A high quality book in terms of the photographs and the paper they have used, which highlights the combined work of a number of highly talented modellers. Yes, it does showcase the Takom kits and yes, it does showcase Ammo painting and weathering products. I don't have any problem with that and realise that in the first place. Even if you want to build a Panther model from another manufacturer or use other paints, the ideas, hints and tips in here can be applied as you choose. Personally I am very impressed by the quality and presentation of this book, produced by modellers for modellers and of course it will prompt many to try one or more of the Takom kits along with the various Ammo products. For any fans of modelling the Panther family of AFVs, I don't think you will be disappointed with this one and should get plenty of inspiration from it.
Thanks to Ammo of Mig Jiminez for our review copy.

Robin