Panzerwrecks, Fotos from the Panzertruppen, the Early Years

PANZERWRECKS


Fotos from the Panzertruppen, the Early Years. By Lee Archer and William Auerbach. Soft covers, 8.25 x 11-inches, landscape format. Contains 77 B&W photos. ISBN 978-097541835-2. See web-site (below) for pre-publication offers, prices and shipping information.


A few years ago, the authors of this latest album began publishing photos of late-war and destroyed German AFVs and vehicles in their acclaimed Panzerwrecks series, which now encompasses five volumes, with more in preparation. The sources of the images seen in those books were usually veteran’s photo collections; obviously when going through such collections, the authors turned up pictures that did not fit the Panzerwrecks concept. Luckily for us, Bill and Lee held on to the images and have now brought out a new book, which I hope will lead to an eventual parallel series of volumes devoted to earlier German equipment. In that respect, only time (and the market) will tell.


In the interim, we modelers have been treated to this new book, which contains 77 previously un-published images covering early war Panzer. The types covered include Pz.Kpfw.I, Pz.Kpfw.II, Pz.Kpfw.III, Pz.Kpfw.IV and Pz.Kpfw.38(t). In the case of the Pz.Kpfw.I, II and 38(t), almost all variants are covered. In the case of the mittlerer Panzerkampfwagen III and IV, coverage ends with the Ausf.J for the former and Ausf.E for the latter.


It is in the realm of the rare and/or unusual where these photos stand out. For instance, odd versions of the Pz.Kpfw.I to include an ammunition carrier, bridge-layer and field workshop Panzer are given coverage. The latter includes some remarkable images showing field mods and markings. Photos of some of the Pz.Kpfw.IIs clearly show the application of the two-tone brown over dark grey camouflage seen on Panzer through June 1940, as well as retrofits such as the commander’s cupola, Vorpanzer and Zusatzpanzerung armor packages. Within the segments covering the Pz.Kpfw.III are included several Befehlspanzer Ausf.D1 and Ausf.E, and early models such as the Ausf.C. The Pz.Kpfw.IV segment is highlighted by coverage of the less often seen Ausf.A, as well as the Ausf.D and E that were fitted with Vorpanzer (spaced armor) on the turrets. It should be noted that some of the Vorpanzer-equipped types actually have suspension components introduced on the Ausf.F, to include 40cm track, dished drive sprocket and widened road-wheels. This is not stated in the captions where seen, which is about the only thing these guys missed! Pz.Kpfw.38(t) images show many different model types including an excellent shot of a Panzer perched on a conspicuously-marked Sd.Ah.115 trailer of 20.Panzer-Division.


The photo reproduction within these covers is uniformly excellent, of course depending on the condition of the original. Nearly every single photo is reproduced to cover a full page, while some pages have two images, which are usually printed as large as possible. Because of this policy, modelers with a sharp eye will be able to glean the smallest details with which to embellish their latest replica. The captions are well-written and very informative, noting unique features and providing unit identifications wherever possible.


This treatment of early Panzer is very welcome by this reviewer and sure to prove as popular with modelers as the Panzerwrecks series has. Lee, Bill: MORE, please!


Highly recommended.


Frank V. Curley Stooge De Sisto


Panzerwrecks can be contacted via their web-site at: www.panzerwrecks.com. E-mail Lee Archer at: lee@panzerwrecks.com; Bill Auerbach at: bill@panzerwrecks.com.


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