251 Half-track Book Review
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | June 2016 | Title | 251 Half-track |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | David Doyle | Publisher | Ampersand Publishing |
| Published | 2016 | ISBN | 978-0-9861127-7-5 |
| Format | 168 pages, hardbound | MSRP (USD) | $28.95 |
First Look
The Sonderkraftfahrzeug (Sd.Kfz.) 11 was developed in the mid-1930s as a prime mover of medium towed guns using a 4x4 chassis with steerable front wheels and the rear wheels replaced by tracks to allow for operations on and off-road. The Sd.Kfz.11 could carry up to eight people as well as its towed weapon. The power and load capacity of this vehicle lended itself to being transformed into an armored vehicle and did the Germans make use of that capability with the Sd.Kfz.251 series of armored carriers and gun mounts based upon that Sd.Kfz.11 chassis.
Author David Doyle as compiled another terrific photo reference for the Sd.Kfz.251 which is well-illustrated with period photography and nicely illustrates the vehicle in its many variants. The variants covered in this title include:
- Sd.Kfz.251 Ausf.A
- Sd.Kfz.251 Ausf.B
- Sd.Kfz.251 Ausf.C
- Sd.Kfz.251 Ausf.D
- Stuka zu Fuss
- Sd.Kfz.251/2
- Sd.Kfz.251/3
- Sd.Kfz.251/6
- Sd.Kfz.251/7
- Sd.Kfz.251/8
- Sd.Kfz.251/9
- Sd.Kfz.251/10
- Sd.Kfz.251/11
- Sd.Kfz.251/16
- Sd.Kfz.251/17
- Sd.Kfz.251/20
- Sd.Kfz.251/21
- Sd.Kfz.251/22
- 2cm Flak 38 auf SPW
- 7.5cm PaK 42 L/70-armed half-track
This is a great compilation of photos with detailed captions to help understand the various details and context for each of the photos presented. It also illustrates the variety of missions that this vehicle was adapted to perform - if a given weapon or capability could be vehicle-mounted, you could likely find it on the 251. Whether you're a military historian or armor scale modeler, this title is a great addition to any military library. Definitely recommended!
My sincere thanks to Ampersand Group for this review sample!