Nuts & Bolts Vol. 37
Panzerjäger IV, Part 1: - L/48 (Sd.Kfz.162)

Reviewed by Luke Pitt

Summary

FirstRead
 
Low sleek and deadly. These are the words that come to mind, when I think of the Sd.Kfz.162. To my mind, it was the ultimate expression a Panzer IV tank Panzerjager. The design just looked right.

The “Nuts and Bolts” series of reference titles really need no introduction. What they offer is a one-stop reference source for the particular vehicle they cover. I like the convenience of these books. For me, it’s is so much easier to just grab them, open a page when I require it and basically getting on with it. In reality, these books are more like five traditional books in one, a development history, wartime photo coverage, line drawings and colour profiles and a comprehensive walk around photo essay.   

This new reference work has some 180 pages. This reference work is logically broken down into segmented parts. The first 95 pages are devoted to the development and history of the weapon’s use in service. Within this section, selected subsections discuss the development and technical description, followed by the differences between the prototype and production vehicles. The book is jammed packed with details like the variations of the weapon system itself and how they were used in the field. I particularly liked the way the authors have detailed each division that operated these vehicles and in what time frame.  The first section is lavishly illustrated with a little over 153 black and white war time photos. The clarity and captions on these photos are noteworthy as they cover an infinite number of additions and modifications adopted in the field.

The next 13 pages are devoted to 1:35 scale plans of all the known early versions. John Rue never disappoints with his illustrations and the four three-dimensional drawings just add to the experience. Fourteen colour profile drawings follow over the next 8 pages and are wonderfully executed and presented. What I like about these profiles is that within the profile itself, a small black and white photo is inserted to which the artist has given his interpretation. This, I believe should be the industry standard. The one thing that did strike me is the profiles are now presented diagonally (as opposed horizontally). I guess this has been done to fit the page (as the profiles are in 1:35 scale) but, I would have liked them horizontally. Just makes it easier to view.

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The next 56 pages consist of 193 colour walk around photos of restored examples. The entire vehicle is covered from the interior; engine through to a detailed study of how all the various hatches opened. The last six pages are devoted to three model builds by Tony Greenland.

In summary, if you plan to build this vehicle then you really can’t go past this book. It is everything you could possible need reference wise. I for one can’t wait for part two in this series. These books are an absolute must for anyone interested in the Jagdpanzer IV.

Thanks to Nuts & Bolts for the sample

Nuts and Bolts publications are available online from their website.