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Book Review
Israeli Half-tracks Vol 1 & 2
Tom Gannon Israeli Half-tracks Volume One and Two
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by: Andy Renshaw [ SKYHAWK ]

introduction

For those who are interested in Israeli Defense Forces armor, Tom Gannon’s work should be familiar to those who own his book “Israeli Sherman” that was published some years back. Also if you have an old MP Models M50, he had his hand in that as well. So it goes without saying that this new work not only meets standards he set with previous efforts, but surpasses them.

Book Basics

This recent two volume set covers the use of US M2/ M3 type halftracks in the IDF, as well as armored cars and other trucks. Volume one is everything pre-1959, with the second volume going from 1960 to the present.
A break down of each is as follows:

Volume 1:
172 pages comprising chapters 1-5 and introduction

• Introduction
• Half Track Primer
• Sandwich Trucks
• Armored Cars, 1948-1959
• Half-Tracks, General Use, 1948 to 1959
• Half-Tracks, Modified, 1948 to 1959

Volume 2:
220 pages consisting of chapters 6-8 with an introduction

• Introduction
• Scout Car and AML-90
• Half-tracks, General Use, 1960-Present
• Half-Tracks, Modified, 1960-Present

Both volumes are hardback with very sturdy binding. Pages are of very nice quality, high weight paper that hold the wealth of photos very well. The covers and overall layout is very attractive with the chapters in different edge colors to aid in quickly finding that section.

a look inside

When I first opened the book I was blown away. Each page contains no more than three photos, and most of the time only two, with a short but descriptive caption. This means that each photo is at least the size of a post card or 5x7 print, so details are easily seen. The Intro gives a good amount of background information in the form of text, much like a Concord “armor at war” series. Then it’s nothing but pictures from then till the last page. Most of these I’ve never seen before, and looking at the photo credit, Tom did some digging in various photo archives, plus had contributions by private collections.

Top that off with walk around and detail shots of museum, restoration, and even roadside wrecks for those wanting to do some of the more unusual halftracks. Some of these are in color, and there is even color historical photos thrown in as well. All images are of high quality. Captions are informative and there is a natural progression and timeline as you read through the book.

Conclusion

Tom Gannon with Barabarossa Books has outdone himself with this two volume set covering halftracks used by the IDF. Bonus material also covers armored cars and “sandwich” trucks.

Once receiving these, I could not put them down. I highly recommend these titles to anybody who has any interest in IDF armor or halftracks. There are enough photos and detail pictures in each volume to make any modeler happy, especially with the wealth of never seen before photos including coverage of variants I didn’t even know existed. These two volumes will be a great addition to anybodies reference library.
SUMMARY
Highs: Excellent quality and layout. Loads of photos.
Lows: We have to wait for Gannon’s next book now…
Verdict: Outstanding reference titles for IDF buffs and modelers, especally on a previously little covered subject.
Percentage Rating
98%
  Scale: Other
  Mfg. ID: xxxx
  Suggested Retail: $44.70/$52.83
  Related Link: Barbarossa Books, UK
  PUBLISHED: Dec 26, 2009
  NATIONALITY: Israel
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 91.16%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 98.00%

Our Thanks to Barbarossa Books!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Andy Renshaw (skyhawk)
FROM: FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

I started modeling around 8 years old when my dad bought me a Monogram 1/48 A-7. We built that together, and after that he turned me loose. Along with armor and figures, I also enjoy building aircraft and trains (model railroading), and tend to cycle between the genres. Recently married, I have...

Copyright ©2021 text by Andy Renshaw [ SKYHAWK ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

I'd be happy to shell out the bucks for Volume 2 IF I knew it had what I need. Namely, I'm looking to build three of the 120mm Mortar versions as used in '67. I notice in image 12 there are two shots, but unfortunately not much more detailed than what I have already. Can you tell me if there are enough interior shots of the 120mm Mortar version to do a reasonable scratchbuild? To me, the cost of the book would be worth it for those shots alone.
DEC 30, 2009 - 04:06 AM
Hey Robert, your in luck...the 120mm version, or "Mark D" is covered from page 294-319. First 4 pages are B/W "in action" shots from 65'-73. Then there is 21 pages of full color walk arounds, with lots of interior including engine, mortar, mortar rounds, ammo bins, rifle racks, lockers, etc. Flipping thorugh it i would personaly feel good about starting a scratchbuilding project, and that there is enough detailed shots of the fighting compartment that it would look darn close. Its one of the most covered subjects in the book...many of the other variants get the same treatment including the fitter, Bambino, AA gun, etc. Im sure you wont be disapointed. Andy
DEC 30, 2009 - 04:23 AM
Thanks. that's exactly what I needed to know.
DEC 30, 2009 - 05:21 AM
What is the trick to finding these? A search by author or title or obvious search terms does not turn them up. Thanks. -Doug
DEC 30, 2009 - 11:51 AM
hi, Thanks Al. Must be out of stock. I got Gannon's name to come up by last name first, but only his Sherman book came up. thanks again, Jake
DEC 30, 2009 - 02:52 PM
I can't wait to get my hands on them, they are on order at the local hobby shop. Yes! Tom does first classs work. Chilihead
FEB 11, 2010 - 03:13 PM
I definitely agree with Andy's review. These books are a must have if you are at all interested in IDF halftracks. Just an FYI, although Andy indeed mentions Mr. Gannon's coverage of the IDF armored cars, scout cars and "sandwich" armored trucks, I want to add that their coverage in Volume is the best I've seen in any book. Other books may be out there, but I haven't seen them.
FEB 12, 2010 - 01:51 AM
For those of you who what to order from a US store, I just ordered them from Articles of War out of NM. Can not wait to get them. They quoted two week delivery time
JUL 02, 2010 - 05:21 AM
What a great book! Tom does good work...... Robert, Have you seen the Blue Steel bookon the half track? Theres some GREAT shots of the 120mm mortar carrier, but they're all the re-engined later ones. Chris
JUL 02, 2010 - 05:27 AM
   
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