Military Model Scene

Title: Hetzer. Jagdpanzer 38 Tank Destroyer
Author: Dennis Oliver
Publisher:Pen & Sword
ISBN: 978-1-52679-118-4

We have reached number 29 in the TankCraft series of books and this one tackles the Hetzer, the Jagdpanzer 38 Tank Destroyer as used by both German Army and Waffen-SS units on the Western Front in the final 2 years of WW2. It is written by author Dennis Oliver and set to be another popular addition to the series I think.
A 64-page soft-cover book in the standard style for the TankCraft books. It starts with the background to the design, which only went into production in April 1944. The book goes through the production history, which is broken down into early, mid, late and then final production variants. There are lots of archive images, all of which help illustrate the little variations. There are tables of production numbers and unit organisation charts. A key element of the book is the list of units which were equipped with the Hetzer, giving a summary of the formation of each one, and their combat service. For modellers of course there are the 10 pages of excellent colour profiles, along with a Modeller's Showcase featuring 4 superb builds, 2 of them in 1/48 and 2 in 1/35, followed by 8 pages covering Modelling Products in various scales, but assorted manufacturers, before returning to the potted histories of both Heer (army) and Waffen-SS units.
The Hetzer is a popular modelling subject, and is notable in my mind for being one AFV which for some time had a standardised factory applied camouflage pattern, something quite different to other German AFVs in the late war schemes. A well balanced book with the historical story mixed with plenty of inspiration for modellers.
Thanks to Pen & Sword for our review copy.

Robin