Nuts and Bolts #24: Pz.Kpfw II ausf D/E

Author:

Joachim Baschin

Publisher

Duske, Greenland, & Terlisten

Price

$62.00 MSRP

Reviewer:

Scott Van Aken

Notes: 160 pages, softbound

This is the first of this series I have seen and covers not only the Panzer II D/E but also the many variants that were developed from it including a flammpanzer, the Marder II, training tanks and a number of other variations including the use of their turrets as Ringstande when they were converted to Marders.

The book is dual English/German and starts with an introduction and development history of the D/E variants. This includes a table of specifications on the chassis and the gun and ammunition it was able to use. It then goes into the service of the vehicle and like the other sections, is followed by a wealth of photographs of the tank in service.

The same goes for the discussion on the flammpanzer, the Marder II and the many other variations that were developed from the basic chassis. I found that the photographs were by far some of the best I've seen covering this tank. They are well chosen and many of them have not been published before. In with each section are superb line drawings showing all aspects of each version as well as full color profiles showing the various camouflage schemes that these vehicles used. In all, over 270 photographs, 16 pages of scale drawings of all variants, 13 pages of camouflage and tactical markings as well as organization tables with the various units that operated all the variations. As a bonus there are full color images of the extant Ringstande that are in Norway, something I know that many will find of great interest. On top of all that there is a full modeler's section on the various kits or conversions available for the Panzer II D/E and variants.

In all, it makes for an outstanding reference that lacks for nothing. It is a book I know that you will enjoy reading and is sure to motivate the modeler. Highly recommended.

Thanks to www.dragonmodelsusa.com for the review sample. You can find your copy at your local shop or on-line retailer.

November 2009

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