Nuts & Bolts Vol. 47
Sd.kfz. 221, 222, 223, 247, 260 and 261

by Holger Erdmann

Reviewed by Luke Pitt

Summary

FirstRead

The “Nuts and Bolts” series of reference books are without a doubt the premium examples of what a reference book should be. The books offer a one-stop reference source for the particular vehicle they cover and this one is no exception.

This new reference work has some 232 pages and was prompted in part, by the now out of print issue 4 which delt with the Sdkfz 222 and 223. Its pleasing as, this volume “deep dives “ into the whole series of vehicles on the Einheitsfahrgestell 1&2 chassis.

This reference work is logically broken down into segmented parts. The first 79 pages are devoted to the development and technical specification in German service. Within this section, selected subsections discuss the development and technical description in detail and also the various kits and accessories on offer (but strangely no 48th kits are mentioned).

The book is jammed packed with details like all the variations and how they were used in the field. The next section, covers some  76 pages and again, is lavishly illustrated with a little over 213 black and white photos. The clarity and captions on these photos are noteworthy as they cover an infinite number of additions and modifications adopted in the field and clearly the author is well versed on the technical nuances of all the various versions and additions.

The next 27 pages are devoted to 1:35 scale plans of all the known versions. The illustrations and three-dimensional drawings by Lieuen De Coninck are wonderfully done. With the chassis detail and 4-wheel drive axis clearly defined. Sixteen colour profile drawings follow 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 next 41 pages consist of 123 colour and black and white 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 page is devoted to photos of 3 models by Vinnie Brangan and Roland Greth with the rest of the models available on their web site if you wish to view them.

In summary, if you plan to build any of these series of vehicles, you really can’t go past this title, it has everything you would require reference wise. I guess I’m “old school” I like the convenience of these books.

For me, as a modeller, it is easy to just grab the book, open to the section I want and basically getting on with the build. Instead of slavishly looking up “walk around” sources on the web.

In my opinion, these books are like five traditional books in one - a development history, wartime photos, line drawings, colour profiles and a comprehensive walk around. 

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They are without a doubt an ideal bench companion.

Thanks to Nuts & Bolts for the sample

Nuts and Bolts publications are available online from their website.