Nuts & Bolts Vol. 36
Bussing’s schwere Pz. Spahwagen Part 2 Schw.Pz. Spahwagen (7.5cm) (Sd.kfz.233) , Pz.Fu.Wg. (Sd. Kfz.263) & Panzermesskraftwagen

Reviewed by Luke Pitt

Summary

FirstRead
 
This German publication really needs no introduction. What Nut and Bolts book offer is a one stop reference source for the student historian and modeller.

This new reference book follows from Volume 35 in this series and is essentially a descriptive account of some of the  variations of the early German 8 wheeled armoured car. The book covers 208 pages and is a rare example of a complete history of the types covered  and all the details that go along with it.

 
The book is logically broken down into a number of segmented parts. The first 83 pages are devoted to the development and history of the vehicle in German service This first section is lavishly illustrated with a little over 212 black and white war time photos. Within this section  selected  subsections discuss the development and technical description, followed by the differences between the different types and production vehicles. A very useful chart describes these changes and modifications and is aimed at the modeller.

 
The next 14 pages are devoted to very well drawn 1:35 scale plans of all the known versions of the vehicle, John Rue has captured the essence of the vehicle in these drawings. Tweleve colour profile drawings follow over the next 8  pages and are wonderfully executed and presented. Then follows 27 pages of walk around photos from various restored examples. Almost the entire exterior of vehicle is covered to a detailed study of 6 and 8 meter “Kurbelmasts” and Stern-Stab antenna. The last 18 pages are devoted to a number of model builds and are of a very high standard.

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In my opinion, this is the best references source I have come across for this particular vehicle. It strikes the right balance between historical fact, photo coverage and high quality colour profiles. This is a great publication and comes highly recommended. Some may be put off by the price of this book, but really, if you want one reference source for this vehicle, then this is the one to purchase - no question about it.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Nuts & Bolts for the sample

Nuts and Bolts publications are available online from their website.