Military Model Scene

Title: Axis Armoured Fighting Vehicles of the Second World War

Author: Michael Green

Publisher: Pen and Sword Books

ISBN: 978-1-47388-704-6

​

A recent addition to the Images of War series of books from Pen and Sword, and another from well known author Michael Green.  As usual, he provides knowledgeable text accompanied by a fine selection of photos to illustrate that text.  There is  a good mix of archive and modern colour photos showing the wide variety of surviving examples from museum and private collections around the world, each with useful captions.

The main thing about this one is that it doesn't cover the gun tanks, but the wide variety of other armoured vehicles used by Germany and her allies of the Axis powers in WW2.  It is divided into 4 chapters.  The first deals with Reconnaissance Vehicles, and this largely features the various armoured cars, with 4-, 6- and 8-wheel types. In addition to the German types, there are also Hungarian, Italian and Japanese.  Chapter 2 deals with Assault Guns, largely featuring variants of the Stug III, including a number of helpful interior views.  A few Italian assault guns are also included.  The topic for chapter 3 is Tank Hunters.  From the huge Jagdtiger and Jagdpanther to the smaller Jagdpanzer IV and Hetzer this also includes the wide variety of anti-tank guns mounted on both German and French AFV chassis, particularly the Marder series plus a couple of Italian designs.  The final chapter 4 looks at other Miscellaneous armoured vehicles, and this has a wide variety of subjects.  With a list of the many variations of the Sdkfz 251, both Alte and Neu versions of the Sdkfz 250, assorted AA mountings, the flamethrower armed Pz III, SP artillery such as Wespe, Hummel, Brummbar and Sturmtiger.  Some helpful modellers references, not just for details but also for more on internal colours.

​

Thanks to Pen and Sword for this review copy.

​

Robin