Military Model Scene

Title: Panzer IV
Author: Dennis Oliver
Publisher: Pen & Sword
ISBN: 978-1-39903-384-8

TankCraft 43, Last Battles in the West 1945, another in this series covering the late Pz IV variants used in the final stages of WW2, by both Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS units. A 64-page soft-cover book.
This is the third TankCraft title tackling the Panzer IV from author Dennis Oliver, and this time is examining the final stages of the war. After significant losses in Normandy, and a retreat that took the German army back to the German borders, may of those defeated German units, both Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS were brought back to strength not by new Tigers and Panthers, but by the continued production of the Pz IV medium tank. Production was halted at one point, but was then restarted in order to provide equipment for those front line units, continuing through to the end of the war. The first 16-pages hold the details of the many armour units, both Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS, which operated the Pz IV, including notes on where they were in action, and illustrated with plenty of archive images. It does include two pages filled with a table detailing the allocation of Pz IVs to the many units that used them. This is followed by 12-pages of excellent colour profiles, illustrating many specific vehicles with their camouflage and unit markings. That in turn is followed by a Model Showcase section, with beautiful photos of 3 expertly built 1/35 models, with 2x Ausf Js and one Ausf H. Next are 7-pages providing details of the various kits that are on the market from assorted manufacturers, and in a mix of scales, along with some aftermarket detailing sets that are available. That leaves the final 15-pages going back to the real thing, covering the technical details and modifications made to these late variants. Just one thing that marks them out for me was the addition of mesh to the spaces between the turret and the schurtzen armour around it, creating additional stowage space for crew equipment.
Another super addition to not just the TankCraft series, but to the popular subject for modellers of the Panzer IV. Interesting details of the real things, some first class examples in the model showcase, and altogether great material for both the modeller and the armour historian who should find plenty in here to interest them.
Thanks to Pen & Sword for the review copy.

Robin