SdKfz 251 Half-Track 1939-45 (New Vanguard) [Paperback]

Bruce Culver (Author), Jim Laurier (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: New Vanguard | Publication Date: November 27, 1998

Following in the best traditions of German ingenuity in design and construction of armoured vehicles, the SdKfz 251 firmly realised the concept of a competent cross-country tactical vehicle for armoured infantry units. So successful was this half-track that not only did a modified version of it remain in use with Czech forces well into the 1980s but also, ironically, the armoured infantry tactics that the Germans pioneered with it were adopted by Allied forces in the Second World War and helped them to achieve the eventual defeat of Germany. This book covers the genesis and development of the SdKfz 251, and details the numerous modifications and variations that sprang from combat experience.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The unrivalled illustrated reference on fighting vehicles, transport and artillery through the ages. Each volume is illustrated throughout, making these books uniquely accessible to history enthusiasts of all ages.

About the Author

Bruce Culver, born in 1940, was for many years a professional medical illustrator, while still pursuing his interest in the history of Second World War armoured vehicles and colour scheme practices. He has been an active member of IPMS USA, and is probably best known for his highly praised books Panzer Colours and Panzer Colours 2. He has contributed to numerous Osprey titles over the years, chiefly dealing with military vehicles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing; 2nd edition (November 27, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1855328461
• ISBN-13: 978-1855328464
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.1 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,276,466 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars ok for modelers, November 18, 2001

By 

cpt matt (tanktown, DE) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: SdKfz 251 Half-Track 1939-45 (New Vanguard) (Paperback)

As with all of the New Vanguard series, this book leaves me disappointed. I like to see the inside of the subject vehicles. The color cut-away-center fold doesnt show enough detail. It should be supplemented with line drawings from top, left & right side.

Good mini-history of the development of this vehicle, but some of the photos are blurry.

I bought this because there is nothing else in print right now on this famous vehicle that helped to pioneer blitzkreig. Wake up, Vanguard - for the price, you can do better.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Interesting Book about the Sd.Kfz.251, August 17, 2001

By 

Johansson Adrian (Sweden) - See all my reviews

This review is from: SdKfz 251 Half-Track 1939-45 (New Vanguard) (Paperback)

A good quick to read allround book about the primary Armoured personel carrier of the German army during WWII. It's got quick description to most of it's modells and pictures of others as well. The construction of the vehicle and problems during design is all described here in an easy to read format.

Like all the books in this series it's to thin in my opinion but this book is one of the better ones.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Typical Excellent Introductory Study, February 3, 2002

By 

El Cutachero (MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: SdKfz 251 Half-Track 1939-45 (New Vanguard) (Paperback)

The Vanguard series is intended to give a brief introducton to various weapons systems used in the major wars of the 20th century. As such, they include color plates of various paint schemes on campaign, a sectional drawing of a representative vehicle, and plenty of B&W photos in the text. All this is wrapped in an elementary text based on new research in newly opened archives and presented in an attractive format. Useful to war gamers, students, and model makers.