Pakwagen SDKFZ 234/3 and 234/4 Heavy Armoured Cars

Pakwagen SDKFZ 234/3 and 234/4 Heavy Armoured Cars
Author: Dennis Oliver
Publisher: Pen and Sword Military
Total Pages: 68
Release: 2022-10-24
Genre: History
ISBN: 1399065076

"...squeezes a lot of useful information into a modest 64 pages and is a useful addition to any library of German armored cars." — War Wheels Experience in the Polish and French campaigns had convinced the German high command of the value of fast-moving, armed reconnaissance vehicles. But it was realised that many of the early designs were too lightly-armed and development of a heavy eight-wheeled prototype resulted in the Sdkfz 234 series of armored cars, the first of which entered service in late 1943. Built by the firm of Büssing-NAG, these sturdy and reliable vehicles were gradually up-armed and served in the infantry support role and eventually as tank killers, largely as the result of Hitler's desperation to arm as many vehicles as possible with anti-tank weapons. Drawing on official documentation and unit histories Dennis investigates the formations that operated these vehicles and uses archive photos and extensively researched color illustrations to examine the markings, camouflage and technical aspects of the Sdkfz 234/2, 234/3 and 234/4 armored cars that served on the Western and Eastern Fronts in the last months of the war. A key section of his book displays available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of beautifully constructed and painted models in various scales. Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also examined, providing everything the modeller needs to recreate an accurate representation of these historic vehicles.

Puma Sdkfz 234/1 and Sdkfz 234/2 Heavy Armoured Cars

Puma Sdkfz 234/1 and Sdkfz 234/2 Heavy Armoured Cars
Author: Dennis Oliver
Publisher: Pen and Sword Military
Total Pages: 69
Release: 2023-07-30
Genre: History
ISBN: 139905032X

The lightning advances of the German armored units during the Polish and French campaigns were spearheaded by fast-moving, armed reconnaissance vehicles. But these early designs suffered heavily due to their light weaponry and thin armor and a program was soon underway, led by the firm of Büssing-NAG, which culminated in the development of the Sdkfz 234 series of heavy eight-wheeled armored cars, the first of which entered service in late 1943. These vehicles proved to be rugged and reliable and were gradually up-armed to serve in the infantry support role and eventually as tank killers. This volume of the LandCraft series concludes the story of the Sdkfz 234 series, examining the versions that took part in the last battles of the war. Using archive photos and extensively researched color illustrations Dennis Oliver examines the Sdkfz 234/1 and Sdkfz 234/2 and the units that operated these often neglected, yet important, armored vehicles. A key section of his book displays available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of beautifully constructed and painted models in various scales. Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also examined, providing everything the modeler needs to recreate an accurate representation of these historic tanks.

Bolt Action: Armies of Germany

Bolt Action: Armies of Germany
Author: Warlord Games
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 110
Release: 2016-11-17
Genre: Games & Activities
ISBN: 1472817826

Revised and expanded for Bolt Action 2nd Edition, this book provides players with all of the information they need to command Germany's military might. Detailed unit options and theatre selectors allow players to build armies for any of Germany's campaigns, from the Blitzkrieg against Poland and France, through North Africa and the Eastern Front, to the fall of Normandy and the defence of Germany.

Bolt Action: Campaign: Battle of the Bulge

Bolt Action: Campaign: Battle of the Bulge
Author: Warlord Games
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 126
Release: 2017-02-23
Genre: Games & Activities
ISBN: 1472817842

The Ardennes, 1944. Driven back by the Allies since D-Day, Germany launches a surprise offensive on the Western Front. This assault against the unprepared Allied lines is the opening move in one of the largest battles of World War II. This new Campaign Book for Bolt Action allows players to take command of both armies in this desperate battle, fighting it as they believe it should have been fought. New, linked scenarios, rules, troop types and Theatre Selectors provide plenty of options for novice and veteran players alike.

German Military Vehicles of World War II

German Military Vehicles of World War II
Author: Jean-Denis G.G. Lepage
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 221
Release: 2014-11-18
Genre: History
ISBN: 0786462523

This volume presents a cross-section of the most common transport vehicles produced and used by the German army. Tanks plus auxiliary vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, vans, ambulances, trucks and tractors made it possible for the troops to keep moving. These lightly armored or unarmored vehicles--aka "soft skins"--operated behind the front lines, maintaining supply lines, connecting armies with their home bases, and ultimately determining the outcome of battle. Beginning with the development of military vehicles in the early 1930s, this volume discusses the ways in which this new technology influenced and, to some extent, facilitated Hitler's program of rearmament. Nomenclature, standard equipment, camouflage and the combat roles of the various vehicles are thoroughly examined. Individual vehicle types are arranged and discussed by the following classifications: cars and motorcycles; trucks and tractors; half-tracks and wheeled combat vehicles. Accompanied by well-researched, detailed line drawings, each section deals with a number of individual vehicles, describing their design, manufacture and specific use.

SDKFZ 251 – 251/9 and 251/22 Kanonenwagen

SDKFZ 251 – 251/9 and 251/22 Kanonenwagen
Author: Dennis Oliver
Publisher: Pen and Sword Military
Total Pages: 137
Release: 2021-01-18
Genre: History
ISBN: 1526791153

The Sdkfz 251 halftrack was one of the most versatile armored vehicles produced by either side in the Second World War. Designed by the firm of Hannoversche Maschinenbau AG, or Hanomag, production ran to over 15,000 vehicles and it was eventually built as twenty-three separate variants serving as not only a personnel carrier, but also a command vehicle, mobile rocket launcher, armored ambulance and bridge-layer. In his first book in the LandCraft series Dennis Oliver examines the Sdkfz 251 variants armed with the 7.5cm gun, initially used as an infantry support and reconnaissance halftrack and later as a tank killer as the result of Hitler's desperation to arm as many vehicles as possible with antitank weapons. Drawing on official documentation and unit histories Dennis investigates the formations that operated these deservedly famous vehicles and uses archive photos and extensively researched color illustrations to examine the markings, camouflage and technical aspects of the Sdkfz 251/9 and 251/22 halftracks that served on the Western and Eastern Fronts in the last months of the war. A key section of his book displays available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of beautifully constructed and painted models in various scales. Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also examined, providing everything the modeler needs to recreate an accurate representation of these historic tanks.

Modelling the Late Panzerkampfwagen IV

Modelling the Late Panzerkampfwagen IV
Author: Tom Cockle
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 84
Release: 2012-02-20
Genre: History
ISBN: 178096496X

The Panzerkampfwagen IV has often been referred to as the 'workhorse' of the German Army in World War II. This important weapon went through several upgrades and improvements during its lifetime and is the only German tank to have been produced continuously throughout the entire war. In his previous title, Modelling the Early Panzerkampfwagen IV, Tom Cockle covered the early production Panzer IV. This book will cover the later versions of the tank from those that were initially equipped with the 7.5cm KwK 40 L/43 to later versions which were mounted with the L/48 gun. Step-by-step photographs show how to model this tank across various scales and at various skill levels, making this book ideal for both beginners as well as advanced modellers interested in minuscule detail, scratch built extras and rare tank markings.

Panzer IV, 1939–1945

Panzer IV, 1939–1945
Author: Paul Thomas
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Total Pages: 207
Release: 2017-11-30
Genre: History
ISBN: 1526711303

With comprehensive captions and text this superb book tells the story of the production of the Panzer IV to the key battles in Poland, France, North Africa, Italy, Russia and North West Europe. Initially the Panzer IV was designed as an infantry support tank, but soon proved to be so diverse and effective that it earned a unique tactical role on the battlefield.The book shows how the Panzer IV evolved and describes how the Germans carefully utilized all available reserves and resources into building numerous variants that went into production and saw action on the battlefield. It depicts how these formidable tanks were adapted and up-gunned to face the ever increasing enemy threat.Between 1936 and 1945, over 8,000 Panzer IVs were built. For most of the war this tank was a match for its opponents heavy tanks and quickly and effectively demonstrated its superiority on the battlefield.The Panzer IV was the only German tank to remain in production during the war. Its chassis was converted into more models than any other Panzers that entered service. As well as the various prototype projects and command tanks, observation vehicles, ammunition carriers, recovery vehicles, amphibious armored ferry vehicles that saw service, the book will show a multiple of converted anti-tank propelled vehicles.

Panther Tank Enthusiasts' Manual

Panther Tank Enthusiasts' Manual
Author: Mark Healy
Publisher: Haynes Publishing UK
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2019-08-27
Genre: History
ISBN: 9781785212147

Regarded by many as one of the greatest tanks ever built, the German Panther is probably the finest medium tank of the Second World War and certainly the most numerous German panzer in wartime service, with some 7,000 built. It combined firepower, armour protection and mobility that was unmatched by any other tank of the period. In the Panther Tank Enthusiasts' Manual, author Mark Healy looks at the development, construction and fighting qualities of the Panther, as well as including insights into what it was like to operate and maintain. He focuses on surviving Panthers at the German Armour Museum in Munster (Panther Ausf A) and the later Panther Ausf G at the Tank Museum, Bovington, as his centrepieces and draws on a range of documentary and photographic information sources in Germany, the USA and France.

Bren Gun Carrier

Bren Gun Carrier
Author: Robert Jackson
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Total Pages: 236
Release: 2019-10-30
Genre: History
ISBN: 1526746441

A guide that blends the history behind this British tank with resources for military vehicle modeling enthusiasts. One of the most versatile fighting vehicles in the British army and many other forces for a quarter of a century, the Universal Carrier—more popularly known by its original title of Bren Gun Carrier—was developed as a fast and agile infantry-support vehicle. In this volume of Pen & Sword’s LandCraft series, Robert Jackson traces its design and manufacturing history and describes its operational role throughout its long career. The Bren Carrier served in every theater of the Second World War, from northwest Europe, North Africa and the Soviet Union to the Far East. Then, with the war over, it was operated by many belligerents in a string of other conflicts around the world, including Israel’s struggle for independence and the war in Korea. A selection of archive photographs showing the Bren Carrier in action gives a graphic impression of how adaptable it was and records the variety of equipment it could carry. The book is an excellent source for the modeler, providing details of available kits together with specially commissioned color profiles which illustrate how the Bren Carriers used by different units and armies appeared.