Reference, Wings & Wheels Special Museum Line No.36, Sd.Kfz.7 in Detail

WINGS & WHEELS PUBLICATIONS


Special Museum Line No.36, Sd.Kfz.7 in Detail, by František Kořán, Rudi Schoeters, Jan Horák and Martin Velik. Soft covers, 8.75 x 9.5-inches, 112 pages. Contains 423 color photos. ISBN 80-86416-60-7.


This comprehensive volume is sub-titled: “German WWII Half-Track Sd.Kfz.7 Variants & FlaK18/36/37”, meaning that coverage is not only given of the basic vehicle, but the major self-propelled FlaK variants. In addition, the armored and un-armored types are shown, as is a late-war stake-body tractor. There are a number of photos depicting the 3.7cm FlaK36/37, as well as a 2cm Flakvierling 38, with the former also depicted on a ground mount. As I said, “comprehensive”!


There is a short introductory bit of text at the beginning of each section of the book, and then in each case, it’s direct to the photos and their captions. These begin with a few overall views of the restored specimens featured in this book, followed by an extremely detailed look at the bare chassis, along with its many components and sub-systems. The engine (also seen removed) and its compartment are next on the agenda, followed by treatment of the stake-bodied version as well as the standard type. Interspersed is more coverage of components, notably the entire suspension system. Coverage of armed versions on the armored (2cm Flakvierling 38) and un-armored (3.7cm FlaK37) chassis now follows, with, as mentioned above, detailed coverage of the guns.


The photographic and reproduction quality of this book is outstanding. Images are well-composed and properly exposed, and are reproduced in useful sizes. This is precisely what modelers will need in order to spruce-up the venerable Tamiya kits, as well as the older items in Braille Scale. Typical for this series is the lack of enough captions; in places entire pages have not a word to explain what’s being seen. Personally, I like the small stuff to be explained since I am always curious as to what something does and how it does it. It should also be noted that I received a dozen books from this publisher for review here at ToT, including some, like this title from 2006, all at the same time. So, it may sound like I am harping on the captions issue. Far from it; I’m just reporting what I see, each time I see it.


In the end though, this is a very useful high-quality photographic reference with excellent visual coverage of the subject. That ought to satisfy most modelers!


Highly recommended.


Frank V. “Curley Stooge” De Sisto


Wings and Wheels books are available from mail order and retail outlets. They can also be acquired direct through their web site at: www.wwpbooks.com.


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