Military Model Scene

Title: US Army Signal Corps Vehicles 1941-45
Author: Didier Andres
Publisher: Casemate
ISBN: 978-1-63624-064-0

Another in the series of Casemate Illustrated Specials, distributed now by Script Books. A 159-page hard-cover book covering quite a niche subject but one which really appeals. This is an English translation of a French title originally from Histoire & Collections.
Including the introduction, the story is split across 9 chapter. From the evolution of the Model 'K', a designator unique to equipment of the US Signal Corps, in the same way that the SCR (Signal Corps Radio) and a 3-digit number was applied to all their radios. This does include a very useful table, listing all the different equipments. They used trucks of all shapes and sizes, and numerous styles of trailers. The chapters cover radar and radio trucks, multi-purpose vehicles, specialised vehicles and trailers, telephony and some special cases. Highly illustrated throughout with a marvellous collection of archive photos there is some fascinating material in here. From fairly simply things like cable reel carriers, to radio cars, specialised radar and control vehicles, workshop trucks and trailers, and more. There are specialised telephony trucks, some with augers (drills) to make holes for poles to be erected, the folding HO-17 Shelter, often seen fitted in the back of the standard 2 1/2 ton truck, and even specific trucks for carrier pigeons.
Modellers will love this one for the detail and references it holds. Kits such as the MiniArt 1/35 Dodge K51 with the SCR-299 comes immediately to mind but there are plenty of other ideas in here. As well as the modeller, I am sure there are a number of preserved military vehicle owners who will also enjoy this one. I well remember seeing one of the K-44 Chevrolet telephone maintenance trucks at shows such as War & Peace at Beltring. As a fan of WW2 military soft-skin transport, this is one I really enjoyed reading.
Thanks to Script Books for the review copy.

Robin