Magach 6b GAL - M60A1 in IDF service part 1
SUMMARY
ISBN - 0-9788844-1-3
Media - Soft cover, A4 format, 63 pages all colour, 116 photos
Review Type - Full review
Advantages - Superb photography - detailed photo descriptions
Disadvantages - none
Recommendation - Highly Recommended
This book, the first in what is hoped to be a long-running series of reference books on AFV's of the IDF, is like a breath of fresh air to the modeller and IDF enthusiast (of which, I am both). Why, read on...
DESERT EAGLE PUBLISHING
This series has a lot of experience, expertise and talent behind it. The author, Michael Mass is well known to the IDF modelling community, and has been involved with AFV's for 35+ years, building up a knowledge (and photo library) which is second to none. A short description of Michael is at the back of the book.
Rafy Levy, the editor and graphic designer, has produced a layout and style for the books that I hope does not change throughout the series. The book is beautifully laid out, clear and concise. I especially like the uncluttered, business-like look. Very professional.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The paper used is high-quality, glossy stock, just the thing to showcase the brilliant photography within. Generally, there are 2 large photos per page. Each photo has an expertly thought-out description. The author has obviously spent a great deal of time in writing the book. For the modeller, the text is definately worth reading, as a lot of detail is pointed out that might be missed by simply "browsing" the photos.
CONTENTS
The Magach family, names and derivatives - 5 pages
First-up, we have a chapter that, as the title suggests, outlines the "heritage" of the Magach. All the derivatives are named and described. Simple and effective, and I have referred to it many times in the short period that I have owned the book. As an added bonus at the end of the chapter, we have some examples of Magach unit badges.
The Magach 6B GAL in action - 12 pages
In this chapter we have, in my opinion, the best photography in a book of great pictures. Is it the desert light, the skill of the photographer, or both?, whatever the reason, this chapter is pure gold for the modeller, as it highlights the way this particular machine "gathers dust". Great reference material for weathering your model. Also of great interest are the various tank configurations on show.
Man and Machine - 12 pages
An innovative look at the Magach as we explore the role of the crew and their interaction with the tank. A great idea. Not only are we treated to some detailed pictures and descriptions of the crew uniform and gear, but we also have some crystal-clear close up photos of the tank, and it's surface textures and colours, again, very useful material for the modeller. Of special interest within this chapter is the section outlining the track maintenance. Included are a couple of very well-drawn illustrations.
The Magach 6B GAL in detail - 16 pages
The title says it all. Basically, this chapter is a tank walkaround. A little different from the norm as it contains 3 pages of detailed CAD drawn illustrations. The turret-mounted weapons are highlighted here.
In detail - Powerpack - 3 pages
A detailed description of the Magach powerplant. Major engine components are called-out with numbers that are described in the text. Again, the chapter contains nice clear photos for the modeller.
Training with the Magach 6B GAL - 2 pages
A short chapter that deals specifically with the mounting of the Instructor's chair at the top of the turret behind the loader's hatch. A good series of pictures illustrate the chair and how it is mounted.
Tactical signs - no one alike - 3 pages
A chapter of huge interest to me as it descibes clearly the complexities of IDF tactical markings. Some photo examples are included and we have a large, dimensioned illustration of the standard font used with its "shadow".
Modelling the Magach 6B GAL - 7 pages
The last chapter of the book is a detailed description of the construction and painting of a 6B GAL using the Legends Productions 6B GAL conversion on the Academy M60A1 base kit. It is a great finale to the book and does provide a great deal of inspiration to model the tank - I know that with the help of this brilliant book, a Magach 6B GAL will soon be on my modelling bench!
CONCLUSION
So, there we have it, IDF ARMOR SERIES No.1. I sincerely hope that this will be a long-running series of books and that the quality does not diminish. As you can probably guess, I whole-heartedly recommend this book to all IDF modellers and enthusiasts alike.
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