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Book Review
11
MASSTER MERDC DUALTEX
American Special No 3017 MASSTER MERDC DUALTEX Multi-tone camouflage Schemes on Vehicles of the USAREUR in the Cold War
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by: Andy Renshaw [ SKYHAWK ]

Introduction

Tankograd has been well known for some excellent reference material covering all aspects of military vehicles. This softcover book covers a very interesting subject; camouflage patterns of the US Army in Europe during the Cold War era. The time frame covers several patterns, from the well-known MERDC and NATO patterns, to the not so well known MASSTER and DUALTEX.

the review

The book is 64 pages total, packed with 107 color photos, another 19 black and white photos, 16 color samples, and other illustrations. Complete text is included in both English and German, with the English being very well done.

My first impression on a quick flip through was “WOW”. There is a lot of great color photos in here showing some excellent examples of the schemes applied, as well as a section of “oddities” that didn’t fit any particular pattern, but were interesting. Another plus that I enjoyed was the wide variety of vehicles shown within the pages. There is everything from trucks, MUTT’s, trailers, engineering vehicles, M113’s, a Huey, and even a camper trailer! The photo sources are varied, so there is much within the pages that has probably never been printed before.

Breakdown of the contents goes like this:

6 pages: Introduction and camouflage pattern diagrams
18 pages: MASSTER camouflage
14 pages: MERDC camouflage
12 pages: Dual Texture Gradient Pattern (DUALTEX)
5 pages: NATO pattern, CARC desert
8 pages: oddities

To finish it off there is an interesting color plate inside the rear cover showing examples of The MASSTER, MERDC, and NATO schemes, both freshly applied and “weathered”.

conclusion

Overall, this book is a “must have” on the shelf of any modern US Army modeler. The pictures alone are worth the price, and the text makes for interesting reading. Thanks to Tankograd for the review sample!
SUMMARY
Highs: Excellent photo coverage and descriptions. Interesting reading.
Lows: Not enough time to build the models for all the schemes shown!
Verdict: Must have for modern US Army fans, especially cold war era.
Percentage Rating
95%
  Scale: 1:1
  Mfg. ID: 3017
  Suggested Retail: 14.95 Euros
  PUBLISHED: Feb 09, 2012
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 91.16%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 90.19%

Our Thanks to Tankograd Publishing!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Andy Renshaw (skyhawk)
FROM: FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

I started modeling around 8 years old when my dad bought me a Monogram 1/48 A-7. We built that together, and after that he turned me loose. Along with armor and figures, I also enjoy building aircraft and trains (model railroading), and tend to cycle between the genres. Recently married, I have...

Copyright ©2021 text by Andy Renshaw [ SKYHAWK ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

I bought this book two months ago, this is a goldmine. Highly recommended. Cheers, Christophe
FEB 09, 2012 - 06:44 PM
I agree... just a gold mine of really neat photos. Lots of good coverage of the DUALTEX patterns too. Grab one now, as im sure this issue will sell out fast! Andy
FEB 15, 2012 - 02:34 PM
This affordable book is an excellent rebuttal to those who generalize that post-WWII armor is a monochromatic yawn. I expect we'll see these schemes reproduced on shelves and at shows for many years to come. Thanks for a short and solid review!
FEB 17, 2012 - 01:16 AM
   
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