Title: Hors-Serie, MODEL a visual modelling guide, special issue No. 1

Publisher:
Armada Concept
Address:

French language Model magazine's first "Special" is all IDF.

Model magazine from France has released it's first "Special" issue dedicated to IDF vehicles, even the advertisements are all IDF related. The magazine is in A4 format with a squared binding. There are 100 pages of glossy acid free paper. The layout is clear and easy to read and follow. The photos are clear and support the text. The use of different backgrounds allows us to see how resin, plastic and PE show up against black, blue and gray backgrounds.

Content is excellent as well with models from a number of modelers. There are 10 models in covering the Magach 7 & 7c, Merkava 2c, 2x Merkava 3d, namer, Achzarit, Puma, Nagaman 2, and M109 Doher The modelling articles are aided by four photo walk arounds. These include the Magach 7c and Merkava 2 from Latrun in Israel. The last two are from Eurosatory shows and are the Puma with Carpet anti-mine launcher and Merkava 3d.

Another nice feature of this issue are the articles called 'Tech' in the magazine. These are essentially explanations with step by step '"How-To' instructions. The small articles can be found throughout the issue and are backed up by photos. The scan above is about pre-shading and is indicative of the 'Tech' articles. The final item in the magazine is a fairly complete listing all the IDF kits on the market.

While some of the terms used vary slightly from US vernacular I found everything easy to understand and follow. I can only hope we see more modeling manuals of this sort. I wouldn't mind seeing more of the regular issues especially if more english translations become available.

review copy thanks to Armada Concepts