Military Model Scene

Title: Stalingrad, Death of an Army
Author: Ben Skipper
Publisher: Pen & Sword
ISBN: 978-1-39900-774-0

The latest addition to the BattleCraft series from Pen & Sword and author Ben Skipper, with a history of the famous battle plus some inspiration & information to guide the modeller wanting to follow the theme. A 64-page soft-cover book in the now established style of the series.
The book divides neatly into 2 main sections, with the first 32-pages giving us the historical story, supported with plenty of archive images, and the final 32-pages devoted to the 'Quartermaster's Section', which has detailed builds of 4 bits of well known equipment, 2 Russian and 2 German. The history includes background on the principal commanders from both sides, and an Order of Battle listing the many opposing units, both German and Russian. It continues with some detail on 'Case Blue, then splits the story into 3 main sections, or 'Acts'. In addition to the archive photos there are some good clear maps which also help illustrate the story. The second half of the book does also have some more historical detail, on the 2 aircraft and 2 AFVs chosen for the Showcase Builds, along with more information on various kit/scale choices which are on the market. The 4 showcase builds then feature a 1/35 Stug III Ausf B, a 1/35 T-34/76, a 1/48 Ju 87 Stuka and finally a 1/48 Russian Yak 9D.
A good mix of historical background and some modelling inspiration for a collection of Stalingrad themed models, aircraft and AFVs. Another good choice for what has proved to be a popular series of books aimed primarily at modellers.
Thanks to Pen & Sword for the review copy.

Robin