Military Model Scene

Title: Magach 7 IDF Patton M60
Author: Michael Mass
Publisher: Desert Eagle Publishing
ISBN: 978-965-7700-21-1

The latest book in the Desert Eagle series of books on vehicles of the IDF is now out, it is number 33 and their second volume covering the Magach 7 & 7 Gimel, the IDF versions of the US supplied M60. Another super book from author Michael Mass. A 106-page soft-cover book packed with high quality colour reference photos.
The book opens with a very touching dedication to the authors' parents, who both passed away in December 2021, while he was preparing this new book. In it he gives some background to his parents lives, his father born in 1920 and his mother in 1930. A sad but heartfelt piece.
The main subject begins with some text telling the story of the development of the extra armour packages designed to provide extra protection to the Patton variants supplied to Israel by the USA following the Yom Kippur War of 1973. The two enemy weapons systems in particular that made a mark during that conflict were the Sagger anti-tank missile and the RPG-7, both with hollow charge warheads. Among the images in this first section show the various elements of the extra armour package laid out on the ground. When added to the rounded turret shape of the M60 it creates a very different look. There were other modifications as well, including the fire suppression system. These tanks served with front-line units until 2003 before being relegated to service with Reserve forces until their final withdrawal in 2014. Following the opening General Views of the Magach 7 it moves on through a detailed Walk Around and then an equally fantastic set of interior pictures before reaching their Sad End, in the scrap yard or waiting to be put out as range targets. The second half of the book moves on the the Magach 7 Gimel, and again going through sections for General Views, during Urban Training, In Action -Winter, In Action -Summer, Weapons & Gear, Details, and the Nochri mine clearing system. The final section sees the Sad End to this variant as well, in the scrap yard.
This is another marvellous collection of photos which illustrate every detail of these 2 IDF variants of their M60 Patton tanks. Details of the fixtures and fittings, along with colours and markings as well as typical weathering when they were in use. Super quality photos, including one special one with author Lt Col (rtd) Michael Mass meeting up with his son while he was serving as a Major in the IDF during a training exercise. There are some nice models of IDF armour on the market these days and this book is I think the perfect reference for anyone thinking of building one, it has clearly been prepared with both the modeller and the armour enthusiast in mind. If you have an interest in IDF AFVs then this is definitely one for your shopping list.
Thanks to Desert Eagle and UK importer Aviation & Military Book Centre for our review copy.

Robin