German Half-Tracks Of World War Two

Germany pioneered the art of Blitzkrieg, using mobile panzers to strike deep behind enemy lines. However, tanks by themselves would be completely vulnerable, and those who were far-sighted recognized the need for infantry to keep up with the tanks. Wheeled vehicles didn't provide the mobility, and a "fully-tracked" army was not feasible. Thus was born the concept of the half-track. Half-tracks were embraced by the French, U.S. and German military, but for sheer numbers of variants, none could surpass the Germans. This book examines the various families of vehicles used by Germany, offering readers and modelers a look at these fascinating vehicles in wartime use.

The book's coverage is comprehensive. It includes the diminutive Sd.Kfz. 2 (Kettenkraftrad), through various artillery prime movers like the Sd.Kfz. 6, Sd.Kfz. 7, Sd.Kfz. 8, Sd.Kfz. 9, Sd.Kfz. 10, Sd.Kfz. 11, and Maultier, to the armored Sd.Kfz. 250, and Sd.Kfz. 251 half-tracks and their array of sub-types. A brief explanation of each type and its variants is given in the introduction. However, a wealth of information is also given in each caption, the result of painstaking research.

This collection of photos will undoubtedly inspire readers, and model makers will find a wealth of ideas on how to pose their next German half-track kit. The black and white photos are supported by 16 color plates that provide a look at the camouflage and markings used on some of these semi-tracked vehicles. This book provides a perfect pictorial package on this important class of military vehicle, a subject matter that continues to appeal to enthusiasts despite the passage of years since they were first introduced and used.

Frank V De Sisto
Softcover 72 pages, 178 photos, 16 colour plates
Concord Publications