Military Model Scene

Title:  Camera On 10, Kfz 1, 2, 3 & 4

Author: Alan Ranger

Publisher:  MMP

ISBN:  978-83-65281-87-6

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Number 10 in the Camera On books from Alan Ranger and MMP Books, and another excellent addition to the series. This time the topic is the light Einheits Personenkraftwagen. Developed in the 1930's for an admirable intention, there was a specification issued for three classes of Field Car, Light, Medium and Heavy. Seeing a need to provide motorisation for their armed forces there was also a recognition that no single manufacturer would be able to cope with the numbers required, there were actually three different ones who were involved, Stoewer, BMW and Hanomag. While the basic specification was the same, and the chassis and bodywork, these three were able to fit their own engines and drivetrains. So, while outwardly they looked the same, vital elements were not interchangeable between the different manufacturers once they were in service. This and much more is explained well in the Introduction.

The bulk of the book then contains a marvellous selection of archive photos, most of which have not been published before.  These have been gathered from veterans private collections rather than the well known Propaganda Company collections. They are split into four sections. Firstly the Kfz 1, which is the basic Personenkraftwagen, the four-seat troop carrier. Then there is the Kfz 2, which was the Communications variant, where there are just three doors as the position for the fourth seat is taken up by a cabinet fitted for supporting a radio and housing the batteries and spare radio parts.  The smallest section has a few photos of the Kfz 3, an artillery sound ranging vehicle that is outwardly difficult to distinguish from the basic field car. Then finally the Kfz 4, which has the twin MG34 zwillingsockel AA mount.

The detail in here for modellers, including not just the vehicles, but their ancillary equipment and crew uniforms is excellent. Plenty of inspiration for dioramas as well as the individual vehicles and all with helpful captions, sometimes referring to notes found on the back of the original prints.

 

This is another excellent addition to this Camera On series from Alan Ranger and MMP, a series I am happy to recommend.

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Thanks to MMP Books, who kindly provided my review copy.

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Robin