Sdkfz 250/1 To 250/12 Armoured Halftrack (Miltary Vehicles in Detail 1)

While it is easy to get the Sdkfz 250 and the Sdkfz 251 confused, that is the buyer's responsibilty. Both were German 1/2 track vehicles developed in the 1930's to support the German tanks blizkreig tactics. As the author points out, it is odd that the Germans did build two such similar vehicles when the smaller cost almost as much as the larger type, and Germany could ill afford to waste its limited industrial capacity on too many vehicles types.

This book covers the small, light 1/2 track Sdkfz 250. Like the larger cousin, many versions were produced, and even though this was a small 1/2 track (4 soldiers max), it was in great demand. Better traction in off road conditions than a truck, but cheaper than a fully tracked vehicle. Alas, very light armor protection and harder to mass produce than a truck.

Terry Gander gives a good overview of the history and development of this 1/2 track. There are very detailed photos of the engine, chasis, interior of the different versions. There is very detailed information about the cannon used on the different types, the pro's and con's of each variant.

Only four color photos of one version, that is a drawback, but interesting color plates on different German unit insignia.

Overall, I definately recommend this book for armor fans who want to know a lot about a small vehicle that played an important part of tracked warfare. This vehicle has been overshadowed by its larger cousin the Sdkfz 251, but this is enjoyable reading that covers a subject previously neglected.

Let me start off by commenting regarding other reviewer's comments that this book is mis-titled in that it "implies" that it covers both the SdKfz 250 and its larger cousin, the SdKfz 251. The title does state "250/1" through "250/12" and hence can be easily and incorrectly taken to imply coverage of both the smaller 250 and larger 251. In reality this means variations 1-12 of the SdKfz 250. An easy misinterpretation.

Now that this has been cleared up this book provides an excellent source of the major variations of the SdKfz 250, from the very common small personnel carrier (being only able to carry 4 loaded passengers plus 2 crew) to the reconnaisance vehicle versions to morter carrier versions to ammunition carriers, communication cable layers, command cars and luftwatte and artillery observation versions. Not only are each of these versions covered but sub-versions are also covered (i.e., 3 sub-versions of the artillery observation version). For each version and subversion there are a few paragraphs of text discussing the subtle differences between them (the variety of different radios in the artillery and luftwaffe observation version for example), what demands they came in response to and how the versions actually developed over the course of the war (for example, the recon version started out with a 10-sided turret but as the war progressed was modified to a six sided to enable more economical construction and all versions of the 250 started the war using curved side plating but this was replaced by flat plates as the war progressed to enable quicker construction).

In addition to the discussions of the physical differences between the different version of the vehicles, each is very well illustrated with numerous very detailed B&W photos (and in some cases color of reconstructed or museum pieces). There are side profiles, rear and front. Most importantly, there are photos showing the top interior of each version showing the layout and how crowded the vehicle actually was. There is discussion of how design and use in field actually differed. For example, even though they were equiped with back doors the passengers normally dismounted, in combat, over the sides. Included are photos and drawings of engine blocks, tool kits and typical equipment along with their normal placement on the vehicle. There are also a few pages showing various recognition signs on these vehicles (i.e., reconnaisance, command, different divisions, etc.). All of these details are excellent for anyone interested in modeling this vehicle. For its small length (96 pages) and low price (about $10) it is a veritable treasure chest for the model builder. Nothing in this class compares for the detail. Only large and much more expensive books (i.e., Schiffer Publications that are a few hundred pages about $40-$60) are better references than this for the model builder.

The one area of the book that is weak, in terms of a reference for model builders, is a lack of camoflauge schemes. There are a few color pictures of reconstructed or vehicles currently in museums but no full color profile camo patterns like those that can be found in those published by Osprey. In addition there are few pictures of the vehiles in combat or tactical operation. The emphasis in on close ups showing detail. There is also little discussion on actual performance in combat or comparisons with comparable allied equipment or even german equipment. Definitely not a book if one is interested in combat operations, use, tactics and performance. Last but not least there is also a short disucssion in the book on the development of the 250 before the war broke out.

All and all an excellent reference book for persons interested in this vehicle and its many common varients with its only flaw, for model builders, a lack of color profile camo schemes (hence 4 instead of 5 stars).

The picture of the book cover read "Sdkfz 250/251". When I received the book, the book cover read "Sdkfz 250/1 to 250/12". This book does not cover the larger half track, Sdkfz 251 at all.

The book cover has the title "Sdkfz 250/251" but when I received the book, it read: "Sdkfz 250/1 to 250/12". This book does not cover the Sdkfz halftrack at all.