CD Content

Model Miniature (MM) is a French company that specializes in small scale resin model kits.  However, in conjunction with their release of a 1/72 model kit of AMX-10RCR (with 3^rd Hussard) (MM-R123), MM decided to put their research to further use again and release two (2) reference DVD’s as well.  This review is of MM’s new “AMX-10RC in Details Reference DVD” (MM-DVD-002). Despite the title, the vehicle photos on this DVD actually cover the AMX-10RCR: [AKA: AMX-10 RC “Renove” (renovated)] wheeled armored reconnaissance vehicles of the French 3^rd Hussars Regiment (3’eme Regiment de Hussard).  Basically, the AMX-10 RCR’s are upgraded 10 RC vehicles; that work being done in the early to mid-2000’s.  MM’s other DVD is titled “AMX-10RCR In Action” (MM-DVD006) and has been reviewed as well.  To check out the review go here.

Photograph/Video Quality and Selection

The DVD contains a generous 288 color photos, five (5) short videos and 1 PDF illustration of the AMX-10 RCR.  Most photos are of excellent quality with exceptional color and clarity. In addition, the photo files (in .jpg format) are very large in size; a vast majority being over 3000x2000 pixels in size.  Those large size files allow extreme close up browsing when using your computer’s image viewing software.  You can easily pick out all of the small details contained in each photograph. 

As for the selection of the photos contained on this DVD, we get a nice selection of images, including pictures of the entire vehicle as well as capturing all the smaller details.  For instance, the turret gets over 60 photos of coverage! 

Besides the photographs, MM also provides a nice “bonus” in the form of five (5) videos (and audio), in the “MOV” format.  The total running time of all the videos is about one minute and covers the AMX-10RCR driving around, revolving its turret and utilizing the fitted central tire inflation system.  Although not at a exceptional level of quality, the short video provides a very nice and different perspective by allowing us to also see and hear this massive beast in REAL action. 

Finally, the DVD contains one basic color illustration of the vehicle in PDF which looks to be created by the French Military.  Although nothing special, I am glad that it is included as it gives us yet one more reference page for use. 

The DVD is organized by subfolders (listed below), which contain similar vehicle photographs/files together.  I’ve also included the number of photos within each folder. 

• 3’eme Regiment de Hussard = 7

• Armor = 22

• General Views = 65

• Gun = 17

• In Action = 6

• Machine Gun = 6

• Model = 31

• Over (Top) View = 29

• Rear = 19

• Turret = 61

• Wheels = 25 

Use as Reference

Being that this photo reference DVD on the AMX-10RCR is comprehensive in coverage, this product is a great resource for us modelers and vehicle enthusiasts.  Although it doesn’t provide any background information on the vehicle (which isn’t the focus of the product anyway), MM succeeds in providing us with an affordable photo reference on a lesser-covered (at least here in the US) vehicle.

Conclusion

Model Miniatures’ AMX-10RC In Details Reference DVD is a great resource for us modelers and vehicle enthusiasts.  If you need fine detail photos of this slick wheeled fighting vehicle, this product is definitely for you.  For a reasonable price, you get a large number of high quality photos which will be a great help in super-detailing any AMX-10RC model kit or even if you just want to know more about them.

Recommendation: Highly Recommended 

Thanks to Julie Ludmann of Model-Miniature for the opportunity to review this DVD.