Amazingly, Panzerwrecks 4 is here already, and it seems like only last week that No.3 arrived at the TMMI office! This is of course a good thing, because the photographic material that authors Lee Archer and William Auerbach keep finding is simply fantastic, and perfect for firing up one's modelling inspiration. As with the previous productions, Volume 4 is presented in landscape format, and maximum use is made of the images as each is printed as large as the pages will allow. The quality of reproduction obviously varies according to the source of the original photograph - if it's a still frame from a newsreel or a significant enlargement, the image will be less punchy than the extremely high quality b/w photographs taken by the US forces, however it's the stuff that's in the photos that matters, and everything here is of extreme interest.

In this volume we have an interesting series of images showing a Jagdpanther knocked out by a Polish 17pdr Achilles tank destroyer, revealing its zimmerit in detail plus foliage camouflage, and a KO'd Panther ausf. G showing some camouflage on its schurzen. Several shots of the surrender of a column of Sd.Kfz234/2 Pumas in Czechoslovakia 1945 will be ideal for those building Dragon's excellent new kit ofthis infamous eight wheeler, revealing some great detailing cues, markings and diorama ideas, followed by a beautiful quality shot of a zimmerited PzIVG or H being inspected by US troops from the 104th ID.

Following this is possibly the most intriguing image in the book - that of a rather mundane Bergepanzer IV in an extraordinarily complex ambush type camouflage that was clearly applied with great care and consistency - a case of too much time on their hands for the crew perhaps? A great modelling idea all the same. Another ultra-clear photograph shows a Hotchkiss H39 abandoned near a barn (and a modeller must have got to it first because there actually is a Panzerfaust stuffed behind the shovel - the cliche lives!) A rather sorry looking turretless Pz38(t) sits in front of garages in Germany, and a natural gas powered PzIV ausf.D is studied in detail on pages 30 and 31. Other highlights include an Sd.Kfz234/4 Pakwagen minus its front right wheel but still on the go - another good modelling idea, and columns of trucks, Kubels and motorcycles all offer great references and inspiration. Three very clear views of a Pz.Kpfw M42 in 'amoeba' camo provide clues to the external fittings and spare track stowage, plus excellent close-ups of the very appealing but tricky to apply colour scheme of red brown and olive green, bordered with sand yellow. A couple of views of a hangelafette-turreted Sdkfz234/1 are included, and with gun pointed skywards and mesh clamshell doors wide open, it makes a mouth-watering modelling project. Other rarities include a PzII L turreted Sd.Kfz234, a Flak mounted on a Ford V3000 truck and a fascinating collection of shots showing the Henschel and Sohn plant in Kassel Mittelfeld where many Tiger lis were being manufactured and assembled, again, loads of fabulous modelling ideas here.

VERDICT; The Panzerwrecks series has grown into a compelling collection of books containing some truly fascinating images, and modellers who enjoy imbuing their AFV projects with a little personality should not hesitate in investing in all four volumes - they're not even that expensive at £16.99 each, plus shipping. Very highly recommended.

Reproduced by kind permission of Tamiya Model Magazine International (opens in a new window)