The Modeler’s Guide to Jagdpanzer, A comprehensive guide to modelling German self-propelled anti-tank guns in 1/35th scale, part 1: closed top vehicles

by Jim Hensley

Ampersand Publishing Co, Inc, no ISBN, 120 pages

This is not just a description of how to build Jagdpanzers but a respectable reference as well. It includes quite a few period photographs, colour closeups of preserved vehicles, and good text about the development and deployment of the real vehicles that gives you the needed information to distinguish early and late versions. The first section is on “Hetzers” and here we get early and late production versions and the “Hetzer Starr” as well, with four pages of historical text, 13 period photos and 38 colour shots of external and internal details plus 3-view 1/35 plans of the three variants modelled. The models are based on the DML kits, the Starr using an Accurate Armour conversion, and in each case appropriate aftermarket etch sets, tracks etc are used. The building and painting processes are described in detail, with plenty of photographs so no-one should have any problems in using them for their own models.

Next are the Jagdpanzer IV type, L/48, L/70 (V) and L/70 (A) with a similar mix of reference text, period photographs and preserved vehicle closeups though fewer of the latter in this case, and plans. Again, DML kits are used with etch, tracks, etc from the aftermarket and, again, every step is described and shown in photographs. Then comes the chapter titled “The Heavyweights” – Ferdinand and Elefant, early and late Jagdpanthers, and Jagdtigers with both Porsche and Henschell suspensions. The mixture is as before, very comprehensive and useful reference material followed by clear descriptions of photographs of how the models can be built.

To end the book there’s a section listing all the kits and accessories used and recommended references, arranged by vehicle type so easy to use, followed by one listing all the available kits and accessories and one on where to see surviving vehicles.

This is as good as the earlier MMiR Modeler’s Guides – highly recommended!

John Prigent