CD Content

Model Miniature (MM) is a French company that normally 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-10RCR in Action Reference DVD” (MM-DVD-006).  The DVD covers the AMX-10 RC “Renove” (renovated) wheeled armored reconnaissance vehicles in their natural habitat: on or near the battlefield. 

Although some of the photos do actually show some of the vehicles driving around or in motion ("in action"), many of the photos cover the fine details of the vehicles recently or currently in the field.  Most notably, vehicles recently seen in Mali and Kosovo are featured.  MM’s other reference DVD is titled “AMX-10RCR In Details” (MM-DVD002), which I already reviewed.  To access the review check it out here.

Photograph/Video Quality and Selection

The DVD contains a generous 281 color photos, two (2) short videos and two (2) PDF documents.  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 good majority being over 3000x2000 pixels.  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 of currently or recently fielded AMX-10RCR’s.  These include pictures of the entire vehicle as well as capturing all the smaller details.  For instance, the AMX-10RCR's fielded in Mali are covered by 89 photos, many detail oriented.

Besides the photographs, MM also provides a nice “bonus” in the form of two (2) videos (and audio), in the “JPO” (Quick Time Movie) format.  The total running time of the videos is about 2 minutes and mostly covers the AMX-10RCR at a public event driving around and swinging its turret from side to side.  Although the video is not very long, the quality level is very good and it provides us with a different and interesting perspective by allowing us to also see and hear this beast in REAL action.

Finally, (2) PDF’s are included and look to be sourced from the French Military and/or vehicle manufacturer (Nexter Systems).  Both documents are pretty basic in nature including illustrations with some general information about the vehicles covered: the AMX-10RCR and the related XP-2 Demonstrator APC respectively.  Although nothing special, the addition of these documents is a nice bonus and provides more information to us interested in these vehicles.

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

• AMX-10 In Malian War (by ‘Piwi’ of Maquette Garden) = 89

• AMX-10 SEPAR (Add-On Armor) = 3

• AMX-10 with Special Camouflage (Cloth "Dreads")= 104

• AMX-10 with Special Camouflage (3 eme RH Metz) (French 3^rd Hussars Regiment in Metz)= 6

• Malian War (ECPAD-French Ministry of Defense) = 22

• Mise en Situation Kosovo (NATO Implementation Situation Kosovo) = 22

• Model = 31

• XP-2 (Nexter Systems APC Demonstrator based on the AMX-10RC) = 4

Use as Reference

Being that this photo reference DVD on the AMX-10RCR is comprehensive in photographic coverage of recently/currently fielded vehicles, 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-10RCR In Action Reference DVD is a great resource for us modelers or even vehicle enthusiasts.  If you want to see the vehicle in its natural element, including detail photos, this product is definitely for you.  You get a large number of high quality photos which will be a great help in detailing any AMX-10RCR 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.