Already well known for its Luftwaffe/U-Boot Im Focus softbacks, Luftfahrtverlag-START has created a new German Army reference series.
Modellers familiar with Luftfahrtverlag-START’s sublime Luftwaffe/U-Boot Im Focus periodicals can attest to their quality and usefulness. So, it’s cause for celebaration that proprietor Axel Urbanke has started a dedicated series on the German Army. Heer Im Focus Edition No 1 is hot off the press – and is every bit as good as its air force and naval equivalents. Full of previously unpublished photos, this 74-page softback covers various subjects in a similar fashion; titles in this instalment include Wearer of the Knight’s Cross, Vehicles of the Wehrmacht, Photos with a Story, Pictures of Camouflage Schemes, Emblems and Motorcycles.
It’s a treat for any military modeller with a penchant for German subjects, whether it be armoured vehicles, softskins, figures or dioramas. Many colour photos are included (not colourised). A splendid example is that on pages 8-9, showing a Leutnant with one foot on the running board of a Wanderer W 240/250 cabriolet, during the opening phases of the Eastern Front push. The soldier’s uniform details are fascinating too, in terms of colour and style. Other highlights include colour shots of a Pz.Regt. 18 Panzerbefehlswagen III exiting the River Bug after crossing said watercourse. Modellers can make much use of what they see here, such as helmets stowed on the turret, stowed unditching logs, tools with varnished wood handles, unit markings and more.
Panzer IVs of the same unit are also shown in black and white, again with interesting details all around the tanks, while excellent images of a pontoon bridge provide extra diorama inspiration. Different styles of Pz.Rgt. 18 unit badges are shown, too, via close-up photos and colour illustrations. If camouflage is your thing, there’s a superb chapter highlighting winter whitewash patterns on various vehicles – a medical Peugot 402, Sd.Kfz.231, Opel Super 6 cabriolet, Adler 3 Gd Kübelewagen, SD.Kfz.253 and different Panzer IIIs all feature.
Other inspirational content involves photos of a partially snow-covered T-34 ‘sign jungle’, plastered in different directional signage. Fans of heavier armour will enjoy the coverage of the Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 505 King Tiger ‘Black 112’, while motorcycles are explored too, via useful photos of a single bike and two sidecar combinations. All photos have extensive captions and several maps are provided to give background/context.
Read about START’s recent Luftwaffe Im Focus Spezial No.4
Those who employ figures in their builds/dioramas, or even paint standalone examples, also have a wealth of detail to make use of. A splendid instance is that of real cabbage leaf helmet camouflage.
Along with other articles, all this is designed and printed with the usual START flair and quality, the content within exploring both war materiel and the human element. Certainly, each edition will be both desirable and collectable, and of much use reference-wise for military builders who value visual cues and historical focus. Edition 1 costs €28.80 and is available direct from Luftfahrtverlag-START.
Heer Im Focus Edition No 1
By: Axel Urbanke
Format: A4
ISBN: 978-3-941437-56-2
