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Nuts
and Bolts No. 11 by
John L Rue
Book Reviewed by John Prigent
After the Hummel book, volume 10 of the series, modellers might have wondered what would come next and whether it could match the quality of that book. The answers are now apparent - PzKpFw 35 (t) and yes. The colour plates are again included, and this time John Rue's 1/35 plans are accompanied not only by sketches of known stowage variations (which are labelled with their date and campaign) but by isometric drawings of the hull to make its shape clearer to modellers and by larger detailed plans of the suspension components. 12 bilingual English/German pages cover the development and service use of the tank, and are followed by another two describing camouflage and markings in text plus four pages of tables listing known turret numbers with their bearers' other markings and special fittings. These are arranged by campaign, so there's no problem finding suitable markings for your model! The stowage variation drawings show the typical arrangements for each campaign, and the colour plates show the typical marking positions so there's no need for doubt. Eleven pages of wartime and prewar photographs show the 35(t) in service and include the Czech colours and markings, though the four four-view plates are dedicated to Wehrmacht grey tanks in German service only. This is perhaps a pity, but it has to be remembered that the series is specifically about vehicles in German service - and most modellers will build this tank in German service so wouldn't want to know anyway about the Czech colours or those of the other Central European armies which used this tank. It's worth emphasising that the plates show all angles, unlike so many books which show only one side and ignore the front and rear markings completely. The next 24 pages of photographs, three to a page, cover in detail the exterior of the surviving example at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Some interior photographs would have been a welcome addition, but presumably after so many years exposed to the elements either the hatches are rusted permanently shut or there's nothing left of the interior to photograph. Two final pages of photos show the other survivors at Sofia and Belgrade. This is a very good book for all modellers of the Pz 35 (t), who will find it more than useful whether they want to superdetail a model or just seek authentic markings for it. Highly recommended it you want to build any of the CMK kits - the details shown will be immensely helpful for the Befehlspanzer or Moerserzugmittel as well as the gun tank. Thanks to Heiner Duske and Historex Agents for the review copy. The book can be ordered direct from the publisher by sending either a Eurocheck, for DM 31.50 or a sealed envelope with US$25 to Angela Schulz at the address above. It can also be ordered from Historex Agents, Wellington House, 157 Snargate Street, Dover, Kent CT17 9BZ, UK, www.historex-agents.demon.co.uk, or from VLS in the US. Review Copyright © 1999 by John
Prigent
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