Military Model Scene

Title: Kings of Battle
Author: David Grummitt
Publisher: Pen & Sword
ISBN: 978-1-39904-051-8

Number 13 in the LandCraft series from Pen & Sword, and the third title in the series from author Dave Grummitt. A 64-page soft-cover book in the now standard style for this series.
The book begins with an introduction that takes us back to the development of self-propelled artillery from WW1 through WW2 to the Korean War. Artillery had become 'King of the Battlefield', very much a science during WW1. By the time of the Korean war the US Army still used the equipment from WW2. By the time we got to the early 1960s we reach the Vietnam war, and a variety of newer equipment. Artillery had developed into self-propelled guns, allowing for the chance to 'shoot and scoot', to fire and move before counter-battery fire could be brought to land on the firing position. It tells us about the M108, a turret and chassis mounting a smaller 105mm gun. A larger 155mm gun was fitted to create the M109, with essentially the same hull and turret. For larger weapons, a different chassis was developed to carry either a 175mm weapon (the M107) or an even larger 203mm (8in) gun, both of which were in an open mounting, so lacking protection for the crew. It is the M109 which makes the main focus of the book, as it developed through to the latest M109A7. It has details of the various weapons, when and where they were used, and at the end, a picture of the latest development work on a replacement, using a new gun and turret, with new ammunition that will almost double the range. In the midst of the story of the weapon developments there are extra sessions aimed especially at the modeller. There are 8-pages of excellent colour profiles, covering various M107, M110 and M109 variants, showing a mix of camouflage and marking examples. Then a showcase of 4 expertly finished 1/35 scale models, including one from the author himself. Then 5-pages of detail of the selection of models and accessories on the market, in both large and small scales, before it returns to the coverage of the real thing. It does also feature the dedicated M992 FAASV ammunition re-supply vehicle for the M109.
Another super title for modellers, and covering the mix of post-war US built self-propelled artillery, the development story as well as how it has been used in service, and by various countries in NATO and beyond. There are plenty of photos of the real thing as well as the models, so great references for modellers and armour enthusiasts alike. Another good addition to the LandCraft range from the author and publishers Pen & Sword.
Thanks to Pen & Sword for the review copy.

Robin