Volume 36: Büssing's schwere Pz.Spähwagen Part 2 - schw.Pz.Spähwagen (7,5 cm) (SdKfz.233), schw.Pz.Fu.Wg (SdKfz.263) (8-Rad) & Panzermesskraftwagen
by Martin Block, Holger Erdmann
208 pages
395 photos (212 historic, 84 model, 99 modern)
37 blueprints
12 camouflage schemes, tactical markings, table of organisation (KStN)
Nuts & Bolts continues to deliver a reference gold mine on the early model 8-wheelers. This second part covers the radio car and the 7.5 cm howitzer version.
The familiar format is followed in this book. There is a development and technical description section at the very front followed by deployment information along with camouflage and markings. The textual section on the models is more extensive than usual, a nice feature.
The period photos start with the Sd.Kfz 233 (7.5 cm armed version) followed by the 263 (radio car version). Some rare and very useful interior shots of the 263 are included. Period photos of the vehicles in the field are divided into small sections and cover from the prewar period through to the end of the war.
Drawings for the 233, and the first, third and 4th series of 263 are included. There are also some really nice drawings of the Panzeresskraftwagen in here!
Color plates for the 233 and 263 re a good sampling from throughout the war.
Museum photos have an emphasis on the 7.5 cm howitzer toward the front. There is a extensive selection of radio equipment depicted, making this this section useful for other subjects as well.
The modeling chapter at the back of the book is quite extensive, with two examples of the 233 and two of the 263. It's really nice to see an illustration of Tony Greenland's skill in detailing the older Tamiya offerings as well as a profile of the newer AFV Club kits!
This newest book is a great sequel to N&B 35 and a near perfect reference on the subject.
You can order your copy direct from N&B right here: http://www.nuts-bolts.de/issue/show/41