Reference, Wings & Wheels Present Vehicle Line No.19, Stryker in Detail: US Stryker Interi

WINGS & WHEELS PUBLICATIONS

Present Vehicle Line No.19, Stryker in Detail: US Stryker Interim Armored Vehicle Family Part Two. By Ralph Zwilling. Soft covers, 9.5 x 8.75-inches, 192 pages. Contains 538 color photos, four charts and one organogram. ISBN 978-80-86416-68-7.


Having proved itself in the crucible of combat within the Stryker Brigade Combat Team concept, the Stryker Interim Armored Vehicle family continues to be developed and modified, with new variations fielded. This second part in the series by Mr. Zwilling for WWP continues where he left off in part one, by covering the following five specific variants:

• M1129 Stryker Mortar Carrier A and B.
• M1131 Stryker Fire Support Vehicle.
• M1133 Stryker Medical Evacuation Vehicle.
• M1134 Stryker Anti-Tank Guided Missile vehicle.
• M1135 Stryker NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle.


The text details the development, deployment and modification of the versions listed above, and also provides details on unit organization, to include revisions brought on by combat experience. The text is lucid, informative and extremely dense with detail. It is accompanied by four organization charts, which although well-presented are often too small to be readable without magnification; this restricted access somewhat limits their utility. There is also an organogram showing silhouettes of vehicles assigned to a Stryker company. In addition, the text includes technical specifications for the featured variants.


However, it is the outstanding photo content seen between the covers that more than makes up for any small production glitches. Each of the above variants is covered in great detail with excellently-reproduced full-color images. Where necessary, each image is large enough to clearly show details and their spatial relationship to one another and the vehicle as a whole. Many sub-systems are covered in multiple views so no detail is overlooked. Where possible, interior details are shown as well.


Several other sections detail the additional mounting plates for Slat Armor, as well as the slat armor itself, while another section provides details of the latest version of the M151EZ Upgraded Remote Weapons Station. Engine details, both in-situ and removed are provided as are other internal details. Another section covers external details common to several versions, while images of the soldiers who operate and fight from the Strykers are also provided. There are a number of images of various types in action in Iraq, with a section devoted specifically to battle-damaged or destroyed vehicles in Iraq. To underscore the point, the final page of the book lists the US soldiers who were killed in combat in Iraq, in the on-going war against Islamic terrorists, while serving as part of the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, “Dragoons”. It is well that the author has done so, lest we forget that our hobby is based on an interest in things that cause death and injury to our fellow man.


In essence, this is a superb visual reference for the modeler as well as those simply interested in AFVs and their use. It is an excellent companion to the previous volume and belongs on the reference shelf of any modeler considering building the currently-available kits.


Highly recommended.


Frank V. Curly 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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