by Dennis Oliver.
Softcover (8.25×11.7 inches). 64 pages. 2025.
Subtitle: German Army and Waffen-SS Units, Eastern Front 1944-1945
Long-time readers know of my enthusiasm for TankCraft booklets — a marvelous combination of history, modeling resource, painting guide, and inspiration. Sure, most of the modeling info applies to 1:35 scale and 1:72 scale modeling, but the painting guide is useful even down to 6mm (1:285 scale) models.
The format is well-replicated: History (pages 1-16 and 49-60), color camouflage painting guide (pages 17-27), 1:35 scale showcase of three expert model makers (pages 28-40), modeling products (pages 41-48, visual company-level OOB (pages 61-63), and manufacturer web pages and research sources (page 64). Sure, some page variations occur between the volumes, but the format is the format.
As this is somewhat of a companion volume to previous STuG books, Oliver avoids repetition. The initial history is a unit-by-unit chart of divisional batteries, number of vehicles assigned, and fate. The visual OOB shows a company organization within a larger unit.
The booklet contains 45 black and white photos, 49 color photos of model products and box art, 42 color photos of eight models completed by master craftsmen, 22 historical color camouflage patterns, seven black and white side profile drawings, and eight color insignia illustrations.
It’s another excellent volume.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
