Kursk South Flank - Maps

[stugibsonca]

I found a copy of Kursk South Flank under the tree yesterday. First impressions are favorable, though the laser cut counters seem to be anxious to find their way on to the table, or floor, well anywhere but the counter sheet. Not a bad thing surely, though sorting and bagging is in the immediate future.

I have been vocal about PG maps in general and seldom complimentary. In this case I have to say I like the maps. The perspective chosen and the coloring of structures is realistic, as are the representations of hills and trees. The slopes are rendered in a pleasing and natural way and the variation of the background terrain is subtle and adds to the overall appearance of the maps.

Unfortunately the base colors are too dark. There is not sufficient contrast between the background and the symbolized terrain features. I am not sure if that is a printing issue, as others have mentioned regarding other maps, or a palette choice. To be sure the maps should not be as bright as say those in Eastern Front but perhaps a bit lighter than they are here.

One technical quibble, the convention for contour numbering is; right reading, uphill. This means when looking at a contour the number is placed so that reads uphill. This is not an issue when the hills are small but when reading a larger series of contours it can help with determining elevations for LOS evaluation.

Kudos to the map designer. These maps are certainly a step in the right direction.