Military Model Scene

Title: Panzer Tracts 15-1, Leichter Schutzenpanzerwagen
Author: Hilary Louis Doyle & Thomas L. Jentz
Publisher: Panzerwrecks
ISBN: 978-1-915969-22-4

The latest re-print of this first class series of books, now under the control of Panzerwrecks. A 96-page soft-cover book.
New layout and enhanced quality for the many photographs which illustrate this story this is the story of the Sdkfz 250 series of light armoured half-tracks. It includes both the Ausf A (often referred to as the 'Alte' and the Ausf B (the Neu) and a number of the variants based on these types. Added to it all are 14 pages of 1/35 scale plans, all based on original documentation and on measurements taken from surviving examples. In the same way, the text uses translations from original German documentation, and which in this instance includes a series of combat reports of Regiment 126 of 23rd Panzer Division during operations on the Eastern front. As well as the basic troop carrier and command variants, others featured include the telephone equipped 250/2, the 250/4 light AA version, 250/5 Observation vehicle, the 250/6 munitionswagen, 250/7 mortar carrier, 250/8 7.5cm Schutzenpanzerwagen, the turreted 2cm gun in the 250/9, the 250/10 3.7cm Schutzenpanzerwagen, the 250/11 fitted with the 2.8cm Panzer-Buchse 41and finally the 240/12 light survey vehicle. All of these have text describing them and what they were used for and many include among the archive photos some very nicely detailed pictures of the interior of their crew compartments so you can see how the seating/equipment was fitted into it.
Add all the scale drawings and you have a first class reference on these small armoured vehicles. Fascinating for the AFV historian, especially the combat reports, and a great reference for the military vehicle modeller. There are some very nice kits on the market for this little half-track, including the 2 recent 1/35 releases from Takom. If you fancy trying your hand at a conversion or two then there are some great reference plans and pictures in here to help you get it right.
Thanks to Panzerwrecks for the review copy.

Robin