Since acquiring the Panzer Tracts book range, new owner Panzerwrecks – in concert with the authors – has sought to update the series. A fine example is the new work on the Panzer IVH/J, says CHRIS CLIFFORD.
While Panthers and Tigers are both popular modelling subjects, the Panzer IV arguably offers many more possible scenarios, due to the number of variants produced. It’s arguably also more interesting. The most numerous sub-types were the Ausf.H and Ausf.J, and it’s these that are explored by the latest revamped Panzer Tracts book. I recently highlighted the updated Bergepanther book from the same publisher, which was impressive and highly informative; this Panzer IV example is just as good.
Covering the H/J models from 1943 to 1945, the 86-page softback offers superb period photos, insightful text and excellent scale drawings – mostly in 1/35, but with component views in 1/10 and 1/20. Now, a common trademark of these variants is schürzen (skirt) armour, in both plate and mesh form. Here, the authors seek to explode the myths surrounding said armour, and what is was designed to defend against. Theories and facts aside, though, the visual reference is a boon for modellers. A pleasing and useful aspect is that the images and …
