Reference, Sabingamartin Publications Centurion Tanks of the IDF, Shot Kal Alef Vol.3

SABINGAMARTIN PUBLICATIONS

Centurion Tanks of the IDF, Shot Kal Alef Vol.3. By: Dr. Robert Manasherob. Soft covers, 8.25 x 11-inches, 82 pages. Contains 74 B&W and 221 color photographs, 11 pages of 1/35th-scale line drawings, and five pages of color art. ISBN 978-0-9841437-0-2.

Fans of the British Centurion as used by the Israeli Defense Force have probably already got hold of AFV Clubs fine Centurion Shot Kal kit in 1/35th-scale. The kits box-top lists this books author, Dr. Manasherob, as the consultant on the project, and for good reason. This man knows his stuff!

His latest book details the Centurion Shot Kal Alef and is listed as Volume 3 in a proposed series on the various Centurion types in Israeli service. So, there is more to come if the support for these books materializes. Regardless, the author takes the reader on a detailed journey into the modification and employment process, using previously un-published archival photos, as well as photos of preserved vehicles. Scale plans drawn in the popular 1/35th-scale, as well as color plates complete the visual presentation.

The book begins with a detailed text that describes the doctrinal, political, economic and manufacturing process that produced the Shot Kal Alef. The reasons behind the various up-grades (mainly the new engine/transmission package and the new main gun), are given in detail, along with the various solutions that were implemented. No punches are pulled, with the author recounting the trials and tribulations of the design team, to include some details of a grave (and quickly corrected) error that took place during the maturing of the project. The Israeli penchant for improvisation is also described; for instance, a movable welding jig, designed by one of the project officers, was manufactured from scrap metal, and M4 Sherman VVSS suspension units were used to create a movable work stand for the tanks dismounted turrets.

Some text is provided regarding combat employment in the Golan Heights, but that is not the specific focus of the book. Other things, such as paint shades, tactical markings and labeling seen on these tanks is also discussed.

It should come as no surprise that the graphic content of this book is the main attraction. Archival coverage begins with the factory floor where the re-build program took place. This accounts for 21 images. The remainder of the archival images depicts Shot Kal Alef tanks on exercise and during the 1973 war; this accounts for another 54 photographs. Each and every image is accompanied by extremely informative and greatly extended captions. This is where the authors knowledge, as well as the input he received from users, comes to the fore. If this was all of the books content, that would be enough! But, of course, there is much more.

In addition, there are over 200 color photographs taken in Israel of a preserved Shot Kal, showing all of the relevant details. The images are clear, well composed and exposed; they show details in a fine fashion. Additionally, the captions are well-written and very informative, leaving very little un-said.

Next up are the pages of scale drawings. They show detail differences amongst the tanks as well as properly describing those based on Centurion Mk.3 or Mk.5. Various fittings, such as gun mantlet dust covers, search-light and machine-gun mounts (and their weapons) are also clearly shown. These are further complimented by fine color plates, by Arkadiusz Wrobel, clearly based upon photos seen in the book. Again, all is complimented by detailed captions.

This is as fine a book as one could desire. It is a quality product, only slightly let down by some odd grammar in some of the captions. This can be easily overlooked, as it does not detract from the books overall usefulness.

In short, if you have the AFV Club kit, this book is a must have. If you have an interest in Israeli Centurions, this book is also a must have. Or, if you simply like the classic British Centurion MBT in all its forms, this book belongs in your library. Books like this are privately printed and are a labor of love; they are not available in great quantities or for a lengthy period of time. So, if the reader wishes to see the series continue, NOW is the time to order.

Highly recommended.

Frank V. De Sisto

Sabingamartin Publications are available only direct from the publisher at: sabingamartin@yahoo.com.

Visit frankdesisto.com

Delete abwehr 2x from email address.