Book Description
Warriors have long sought to combine protection and mobility in combat, from ancient chariots to medieval knights and armored wagon. It was the development of the internal combustion engine that allowed a vehicle to possess both features on the battlefield. The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles is a definitive guide to over 1500 armored vehicles that have emerged from the first gasoline engine to the present day. In 1916, during World War I, the tank made its debut on the Western Front for the British, and the face of warfare changed almost overnight. In each nation's quest for battlefield dominance, many different types of armored vehicles have been produced, some more successful than others, all of which are covered in the encyclopedia, with each entry being accompanied by a photograph or artwork, full specifications and a development and career history. The book is divided into sections by country, with entries arranged chronologically. A detailed index is provided for easy cross-referencing. With such in-depth coverage of the subject, The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles is an essential reference guide for anyone interested in the history of military vehicles.
Customer Reviews:
very good.......2007-09-21
very good, concise and fairly exhaustive book coverign almost all of the tanks produced in the 20th century. a must have book.
only improvement would have been more on the main sub-versions of each model that was mass produced (i.e. Pz III, IV; sherman, T-34, etc.)
but a great book to own for any military history affecionado
Editing Needed.......2007-09-15
I think this book is good, but it could have been great. It is clear that the editing could have been more rigorous. I have found both technical errors (some of them painfully obvious) and typos in the text. Mediocre editing aside, this book is a good value compared to other reference volumes (Jane's for example). The author does omit some vehicle characteristics that I think should be included (like ground pressure). I hope that future editions will be scrutinized a little more before hitting the press.
Absolutely the best single volume reference on the market!.......2006-03-31
After having purchased hundreds of reference books on AFV's over the years, this is the book I keep going back to the most. From WWI up through modern, the sheer amount of information included is staggering, especially considering it features many designs you will not find in even more focused collections.
As an all-around resource on the subject, it simply can't be beat, if you can locate a copy, grab it while you can, as they are getting harder to find.
Superb work for those interested in classic armor.......2006-02-13
As was indicated in a previous review, if you need up-to-the-minute data on modern Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), this is not the book for you. However, that is just about its only weakness.
This superb volume is ideal for everyone from the casual 'military historian' to avid model builders and those who just want solid information on AFVs of all types from all nations.
Written in a no-nonsense style meant for the layperson, the text is informative and authoritative without being boring or overwhelming. Major design improvements are carefully pointed out, as well as models that fell flat on their tracks (or wheels).
The book is presented in encyclopedia format, with the largest division being country of origin. The AFV designs are then sub-divided into Armored Cars, Tanks, Armored Personnel Carriers and Self-propelled Guns. Each entry includes important data such as armament, weight, speed, crew, year of introduction and major variations. The vast majority of entries include at least one photograph.
As of the writing of this review, I have owned my copy of The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles for slightly less than two years. I need a new one, because this one is worn out.
Whatever the reason behind your interest in AFVs, this book will entrall you. I cannot recommend it highly enough. A must-have for students of World War I and II tanks.
More coffee table than reference.......2005-05-27
I'm a big fan of anything Chris Foss writes, publishes or edits. His facts aren't always spot on - his deadlines for publication obviously have him rush and cut corners. I purchased this book in December 2003 and have spent many hours flipping the pages. Overall - I enjoy owning and reading this book.
If you are a hobbiest, enthusiast or historian of armored vehicles - this book is a lot of fun - filled with enough data of historical development and progression of armored vehicles - from every country imaginable - that you can lose many hours turning the pages.
I do not keep this book at work. As a defense contractor, historical data more than 40 years old is useless to combat simulation modeling (unless we're looking sub-Sahara Africa or Central Asia). There are many other unclassified pocket guides, and books that are more handy to use to identify and collect performance data - and to do my real world computer modeling.
Overall - I enjoy this book for it's historical data - it's a pleasure to read - and "re-discover" obsolete vehicles I used to operate - or commanded units of. Looking back across the years - one wonders what would have happened if I would have met my Soviet counterparts with their T-54/55 and T-62, T-64 or T-72's - with my M-48A3/5s, M-60A1 and M60A3 models.
Buy the book to enjoy and learn the history of every country's armored vehicle development programs. The historical prospective given by this encyclopedia gives one data to strike up conversations with military veterans and counterparts of all nations and compare data. Gives a good foundation to understand the combat results each of these vehicles gave the countries that utilized them in war!
A great (big) book better suited for the coffee table at home than the bookshelf at work.
Book Description
This definitive encyclopedia of fire engines from all over the world charts their history from Roman Times to the super-advanced fire fighting machines that we rely on today.
Book Description
Bradley covers the development and use of full-tracked, nontank fighting and support vehicles.
Customer Reviews:
Hunnicutt Does it Again.......2000-03-13
Another excellent book by Hunnicutt. Don't let the price worry you, it's worth the $$. This work is more than just the story of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, it covers the history of the APC in US service from WWII to the present.
Excellent photos, line drawings, cut aways of all major PC's, as well as the varients. Prototypes as well as production models are covered. Mr. Hunnicutt is the premier expert on US Armored Fighting vehicles. Buy this and you'll see why.
I have read this many times already, learning something new each time.
A must for Military Vehicle buffs and Historians!.......1999-09-27
Clear and insightful compilation of well known and some lesser spotlighted military support vehicles and personnel carriers. Simply a "must have" reference for serious modelers, and an excellent coffee table resident for military vehicle fans.
Excellent review of the development of US APCs........1999-09-23
Once again, Mr. Hunnicutt gallops to the rescue with another superb book on the development of US armored fighting vehicles. Geez - as an Army Brat and former US armor officer, I remember most of these beasts too well - my Dad's M59 with its mechanical nightmare of two engines; my beloved G-66 M113A1 command personnel carrier; and that miserable M114A1E1 recon vehicle. It couldn't fight its way out of a wet paper sack, but it sure looked tough with that BIG Hispano Suiza 20mm gun. My only criticism (and it's very minor) - the author didn't provide enough operational photos of the M59 and M114. They were around a LONG time, and were much more important to the armored force than a casual reading of this book would indicate. What next from Mr. Hunnicutt? We are just about out of tracked vehicles.
Book Description
Now you don't need to be a soldier to experience the thrill of the front in one of the toughest vehicles ever designed! Hunker down for adventure with The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles.
• This big, illustrated volume examines all of the significant tanks and armored vehicles of the world, from the very first tanks of World War One to modern combat engineer vehicles.
• Divided into three easy-to-use sections, you're sure to find the information you're looking for quickly. Select from World War One and World War Two, The Cold War, and The Modern Era.
• Each section is meticulously arranged by type: Tanks, armored vehicles, light vehicles, amphibious vehicles and half tracks.
• Roll across Europe in a relentless Panther! Defend the Iron Curtain in a Russian T-10! Conduct modern warfare in the Gulf from a tough Bradley M2!
• Also included are profiles of famous military transport like Tiger and Sherman Tanks, Rolls-Royce armored cars, and Scorpion recon tanks.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent book on Tanks & Armored Vehicles.......2007-08-06
Excellent reference resources. Good pictures and discussion. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the development of armored vehicles.
Essential for Tank buffs.......2007-04-05
This is truly a complete encyclopedia of Tanks from WWI to the Present Day. I own the Christopher Foss encyclopedia (Nov. 2002) and this encyclopedia is a lot more updated than that volume. For example, there is a lot more information and more recent photographs on the latest Chinese MBT, the type 98 tank. This volume also describes the latest Merkava Mk 4 tank. The most recent Russian tank, the type 90 is given a lot fuller treatment.
What I enjoyed the most are the wonderful photographs / color plates and descriptions for each tank and AFV. Notable tanks are given a feature article, such as the Panther, the Sherman, the Centurion, the Challenger I, the Abrams Tank, etc. I really enjoyed some of the feature articles that described the combat performance of these notable tanks. For example, for both the British Challenger I and the Abrams tanks, there was a brief feature article about how each performed during the 1st Gulf War.
Besides covering tanks, this reference also describes the various armored personnel carriers, light tanks, motorized gun carriages, along with specialized vehicles.
It is truly a monumental work. Tank buffs and modelers will love this reference!
If you are a fanatic about the world wars............2007-02-07
My husband is infatuated with army tanks (and anything else related to)from WW I and WW II. There is not a week that goes by that he is not reading about the war or watching the Military Channel. If you have any interest in the war, this book is very informative and the photographs are very well preserved. Educational at best!
Over 300 tanks and vehicles are presented in a pairing of vintage and action photos.......2006-10-15
Two outstanding references are top picks, packing in pages of value for their price tags and providing a wide-ranging history. Chris Bishop edits ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TANKS & ARMORED FIGHTING VEHICLES FROM WW I TO THE PRESENT DAY (159223626X): an exhaustive reference that may appeal to general readers, but is a special pick for military collections. Over 300 tanks and vehicles are presented in a pairing of vintage and action photos and detailed drawings, with descriptions including extensive and in-depth service histories of specs and tanks.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Book Description
Filled with fine-scale drawings of America's tanks and other armored vehicles during the entire course of World War II. * M2 Halftrack * M3 Lee/Grant Tank * M3A3 Stuart Tank * M4 Sherman Tank * Staghound Armored Car * LVT Amphibious Tank * And dozens more . . . Based on meticulous research of actual vehicles, official photographs, factory specifications, and, in some cases, the original design plans, each drawing is rendered with great precision--and in exact scale--offering military enthusiasts and modelers an essential reference on these steel chariots of war.
Customer Reviews:
A fine collection of drawings.......2007-03-07
Mr. Bradford's name is very familiar to old hands in combat vehicle research. In this volume he has collected some of his fine plan drawings. The US military entered WW2 playing "catch up" in combat vehicles, but produced a huge variety of tanks vehicles. Mr. Bradford has helped sort some of the many styles and designs by presenting them in multi-view scale plan drawings. The drawings cover American combat vehicles such as tanks, armored cars, halftracks, Amtracs and self-propelled artillery from before WW2 to the war's end. A limited number of photos are included to support the drawings, but the plans are the essence of the book. Shading of the drawings helps make them easier to read. The plans are presented in popular model building scales. There is even a page of conversion percentages to allow the drawings to be enlarged or reduced to meet the needs of the purchaser. This volume is highly recommended for model manufacturers, model builders, historians and anyone with an interest in the technical development of vehicles.
Book Description
Filled with fine-scale drawings of German AFVs covering the time period of the Blitzkrieg across Europe through the greatest tank battle in history, Kursk. Multiple angles provide a level of detail for the enthusiast and modeler. * 8-wheeled Armored Car * Sd. Kfz. Panzer I Tank * Sd. Kfz. Panzer II Tank * Sd. Kfz. Panzer 35 T Tank * Sd. Kfz. Panzer III * Sd. Kfz. 250 Armored Halftrack * And dozens more . . . Based on meticulous research of actual vehicles, official photographs, factory specifications, and, in some cases, the original design plans, each drawing is rendered with great precision--and in exact scale--offering military enthusiasts and modelers an essential reference on these steel chariots of war.
Customer Reviews:
What I expected..........2007-06-13
And I was expecting a lot. George Bradford is one of the best technical artists that I know of, and he didn't disappoint me in the least. I have really been looking for some good reference drawings of WWII vehicles. Most books have only a handful, and don't always include 4 views. This series of books really delivers on excellent accurate drawings. There are very few comments or photographs in it, just high quality line drawing goodness.
These are really indispensable for the serious WWII modeler. Whether you build plastic kits or create them digitally, these reference drawings are a Godsend. I use line drawings like these to create vehicles with a 3D modeling program for an online game.
There were a few models I would have liked to see that weren't included, but overall there are plenty of useful drawings for me in this book. I guess that not everybody will be 100 percent happy with the selections the author made, but who could really complain for the price?
I checked out a free example of a Pz IVE on the authors website, and I was getting ready to order some of these drawings online from him, but this series of books will save me a lot of money. Though I am planning on buying some of the other drawings that aren't in this series.
If you're not sure about purchasing, just search the book and examine the quality of the drawings. I'm sure you will be more than satisfied. As for me, I'm ordering the rest of the books in this series now!
Average customer rating:
- A valuable quick reference source.
|
The Vital Guide to Fighting Aircraft in World War II (The Vital Guides)
Karen Leverington
Manufacturer: The Crowood Press
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Similar Items:
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World War 2 Tanks & AFVs -Vital G (Vital Guide)
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Fighting Ships of World War 2 -Vital G (Vital Guides)
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The Vital Guide to Military Aircraft: The World's Major Warplanes
ASIN: 1853105864 |
Book Description
This superbly produced pocket-sized reference is filled with 12 of the most important combat aircraft of WWII. Each page is devoted to a single type and displays a detailed color technical drawing, a 3-view drawing, an action photograph, and descriptive text. Every nation is represented.
Customer Reviews:
A valuable quick reference source........2004-11-27
World War II will probably remain the most interesting period as far as fighting aircraft are concerned. Never before or since that time have so many protagonists employed so many different types and makes of aircraft.
Laid out in strict alphabetical order by make of aircraft, a complete page is dedicated to each of those aeroplanes comprising text, artistic profile, plans and a photograph of the subject craft.
In my own work I frequently find myself researching whatever aircraft was involved with the sinking of a particular ship and I have yet to find this book wanting.
An excellent place to start for those with an interest in the subject.
NM.
Customer Reviews:
A welcome collection of scale drawings for WW2 vehicles.......2007-09-07
When I received notice from Amazon for pre-publication orders on several George Bradford books, I jumped on it. I'd seen many of his drawings previously and the individual drawings are available online. This collection fits the salient illustrations together under one cover.
There are several prototype or paper vehicles included as well as familiar production types. Collected here are tanks, self-propelled guns, prime movers, APCs and reconnaissance vehicles from the latter half of the German war effort. Some of the larger vehicles are reproduced in 1/48 or 1/76 scale but most are in 1/35 so copy making is kept at a minimum.
A must-have for any modeler or military vehicle enthusiast. There are also titles available on U.S., Soviet and early war German vehicles. I hope that Mr. Bradford will be able to publish his drawings of more modern vehicles.
One to have.......2007-07-01
I knew about the drawings of George Bradford (he has is own website) and I had a free image to study. I think he does a great job. As I am interested in Russian armor I bought this book, it's great, nice line art, fine details, together with some good pictures of these items every modeller will have great results building models from scratch. Well worth it's price.
Book Description
Truly astounding in detail and depth, Sheridan completes the history of the American light tank.
Customer Reviews:
A superb history of modern U.S. light tank development........1999-06-03
As a Vietnam-era US cavalry officer who commanded a Sheridan unit, I am all too familar with the operational problems during the M551's service life (ammunition, drive train, and missile system). It was a bear to keep the Sheridan going, but if we had gone to war, it was all we had in The Cav. I think Mr. Hunnicutt has done a very admirable job in detailing how this country went from an excellent recon tank (the M-41) to the miserable Sheridan. Let future generations of soldiers learn from the mistakes of my generation.P.S. This book is very heavy on detail - only those who love the smell of diesel and creaking tracks will totally comprehend the work that went into completing this research masterpiece.
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