The book is continually illustrated throughout with wonderful photographs, which adds a visual picture of the advice and tips provided by the author. One for example shows a trench section where there is a collapsed trench wall, and how this can be done using textured paint. The photos are developed as the model progression is built up, with colour and model figures. Another shows artillery battered trees in no man's land. Seeing the end result helps to provide some inspiration to start your own modelling in this area; or at least ideas of what it 'should' look like!

Jon Sandison

Written for modellers & wargamers this is a fascinating insight into trench building & design, so appeals to a much wider audience, especially as it includes a section on WW1 archaeology too. Something different and an enjoyable read!

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Twitter, @sommecourt

"The best thing about this book is the large amount of photos showing the author's own trench systems, both in progress and finished."

The Miniatures Page

“If you've ever thought about creating WWI trench systems, here's the book to pick up to learn from an expert."

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Historical Miniature Gaming Society

If you are a wargamer looking for help with building your miniature trench systems, this is a book for you.

Great War IPMS, Great War SIG newsletter – October 2021

I found this book to be thoroughly enthralling, giving excellent references to the subject matter while at the same time, not getting lost in the timeless history surrounding it. The author has managed to show history through a few clever tricks and displays.

I would definitely recommend this book to any modeller or amateur historian.

Rating: five out of five.


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ARRSE (Army Rumour Service)

The war games series has proved very popular with both war gamers and military history enthusiasts. The high photographic content provides considerable detail of the trenches and buildings constructed in WWI – Highly Recommended

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Firetrench

The trench system was such an overwhelmingly integral part of WW1 warfare, that to have it described and examined in such minute detail is something quite special.

Books Monthly

Overall I really enjoyed this book. I found an easy and quick read. It will be invaluable for any wargamer who wants to create a trench system for their gaming table and I highly recommend it.

Read the full review [link=https://ironmammoth.blogspot.com/2021/08/book-review-wargames-terrain-buildings.html]here[/llink]

Iron Mammoth's Studio

In this book Douglas Hardy gives the wargamer and terrain modeller the benefit of his great experience in modelling, provided and of his excellent research and knowledge of not just modelling methods and materials but referenced to actual trench systems in the period supported by good practical advice. A valuable addition to the wargamers library and is highly recommended.

Martin Willoughby, Chairman of the Wessex Branch of the Western Front Association

What a fascinating little book about the WWI Trench System, from making your own in miniature model form to the latter-day refurbished trenches of today. The book is written in order and explains to the reader how to exactly create from scratch a model trench system and looks at the various types of trench used by different nations such as the British, French and German. There is actually a difference between them which some might be surprised at with many having differing benefits and problems. Douglas Hardy is clearly an expert on the subject and writes a good book which I think would benefit both the beginner and regular modeller. The photos in the book are varied and easy to follow whether it be models or the real thing. An excellent book and even if you are not into modelling there is still plenty to learn.

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UK Historian

The pictures of the authors groundwork along with the pictures of preserved trenches in the final chapter is set to inspire plenty of modellers/wargamers I am sure. Another very useful addition to this series of books for wargamers, this time in particular for those interested in the period of WW1.

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Military Model Scene

Simply invaluable for any WW1 modelling project.

Michael McCarthy. Battlefield Guide

Michael McCarthy