Military Model Scene

Title: United States Tanks & Tank Destroyers of the Second World War
Author: Michael Green
Publisher: Pen & Sword
ISBN: 978-1-52678-747-7

One for the armour enthusiast, this 255-page hardcover book by Michael Green is new from Pen & Sword. The author has done quite a few of the Images of War series for Pen & Sword, but this expands on a topic into this new hardback, though still highly illustrated.
It follows a logical sequence of 6 chapters, starting with Light Tanks, then on through M3 Medium Tank Series; Early War M4 Tanks; Late War M4 Tanks; Tank Destroyers; and finally, Heavy Tanks. Each one starts with the text that is sub-divided into a variety of topics, such as armament, armour, engines, combat use and more. Then each is rounded off with a good selection of photos which mix archive images with more of preserved examples, either at rallies or in museum collections. I also liked that it includes experimental equipment, even if it didn't go into production. In addition, once in service, many production vehicles were adapted by their units, guided by their combat experience, and unit workshops made modifications in the field.
I've had an interest in WW2 AFVs for many years so my knowledge base is not bad, but I still learned a lot of new information from this book, and enjoyed the many images as well. The other thing it does for me, is quite clearly show just how quickly the US developed their armoured vehicles over a short period of war, from 1941 to 1945. Not only that they learnt lessons and applied them, but with the numbers then built which armed not only the US Army and Marines, but also Britain and the other Allied forces, it clearly demonstrates a remarkable achievement/story. Great for armour historians and modellers alike I'd suggest and well worth having among your standard references.
Thanks to Pen & Sword for our review copy.

Robin