Thanks for the input on tools - now lets talk must have WWII AFV era reference books. You can break them up into Axis versus Allies if you prefer. I have mainly been focusing on German armor atm.
I have a sub. to FSM and a great hardcover reference book on more advanced armor modeling from Europe (cant remember the authors name). Also a number of WWII books with many black and white and some color photos of armor.
Thanks.
Mr. Churchill’s Tank by David Fletcher seems to be the definitive reference on that tank. I have a copy and can highly recommend it.
the osprey books are excellent
the one on panzer modelling by tony greenland is very excellent especially as he is our modelling club
Well, if you don’t have any budgetary constraints…here’s what I recommend…
Tiger I by Jentz and Doyle
Tiger II by Jentz and Doyle
Tigers in Combat I & II by Schneider
Tiger and it’s Variants - Spielberger
Tiger by Feist and Culver
Tiger - History of a historic weapon by Kliene Kuhn
Panther and it’s Variants - Spielberger
Panzer III and it’s Variants - Spielberger
Panzer IV and it’s Variants - Spielberger (do you see a trend here?)
Sturmgeschutz and variants - Spielberger
Panzer by Uwe Feist
Sherman by Hunnicutt
Stuart by Hunnicutt
Pershing by Hunnicutt
Panzers at Samuar
Basically, anything by Jentz and Doyle, Hunnicutt, Speilberger, Zaloga, Feist, Culver, and Schneider will be good resources. If you’re looking for the ultimate in Tiger data, check out Ron Klage’s Trail of the Tiger.
Jeff
Don’t forget Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two by Chamberlain, Doyle and Jentz. A must have for sure.
Not a bad book for general tank and AFV knowledge and some very interesting wartime pics, but like all General Subject books compromises the detail coverage on specific vehicles for that modellers need for quantity of coverage (try to fit too much in one book). For example, this book has no reference to the Famo at all!
If building a modelling reference library, try and stick with books that concentrate on a particular vehicle as you will get detail shots and better coverage of the Variants.
Apart from Ralph and Jeff’s excellant suggestions, also try:
Stug 3 walkaround by Tom Cockle (squadron Signals) is a good low cost reference on the Stug ausf G.
Germany’s Panther Tank by Thomas L Jentz (Schiffer publications)
‘Firefly’ by Mark Hayward is the definitive book on the British Firefly conversion of the Sherman.
Even publications like Osprey Publishing “Modelling the German 15cm Sig 33 Bison and Grille” by Gary Edmundson is a great reference if you are inclined to build any of the 5 vehicles modelled for the book (2xDragon, 2x Alan & 1 x Newconnection/italeri). These modelling books can be hit or miss though, so check out what you get before shelling out the cost.
I note you don’t have an email address listed. drop me a line, I have further info for you.
Point well taken Petbat, but everyone who models German Tanks needs a general overview book of some kind or another. This is better than most.
Not trying to bump you on that recommendation Gimp, I agreed with you…If I didn’t think it worthwhile I wouldn’t have it myself[:D] Sorry if I gave the wrong impression.
The point I was trying to make is that a whole library of that kind of book ends up pointless in the end. A couple of good general references is good, but vehicle specific books as well is better.
Exactly. No sense in having a library full of generalist books, that won’t get you anywhere!
If one’s budget is not a concern, heck, blow the wad on The Combat History of Schwere Panzerjager Abteilung 653 and it’s companion 654. If you are building either Elefant/Ferdinands or Jagdpanthers, there are no better photo and unit history references than these. 700+ photos in each!
I like the New Vanguard books by Osprey and Squadron’s “In Action” books. They are informative and affordable. Also, I’ve seen a Kagero book (Hetzer) and it is similar to the others and includes decals and such.
Here’s a few I have:
“Panzers of the Ardennes Offensive 1944-45”, Text by Tom Cockle, published by Concord Publications Company.
“The Panzers and the Battle of Normandy” by Georges Bernage, published by Heimdal.
“Tiger in Action 1942-1943” (Tank Power Vol. XIV) by Jacek Solarz, published by Wydawnictwo Militaria.
“German Armored Warfare of WWII” by Ian Baxter, published by Casemate
And for modeling:
“The Modeler’s Guide to the Tiger Tank” by Military Miniatures in Review
“The Modeler’s Guide to Jagdpanzer” by Military Miniatures in Review
“Panzer Modelling” by Tony Greenland, published by Osprey Modelling
HTH
Glenn
I recommend just about anything published by Concord books. Kagero also has some good titles and some of their books also come with decal sheets. The WWP series of books have in my opinion the best quality photographs, although they do come at a higher price.