Panzer Tracts: NEW Volume 22-6 schwerer Zugkraftwagen 12t (Sd.Kfz.8) | Armorama™

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A new volume after nine years, Panzer Tracts No.22-6 is set to become the definitive reference on all types and variants of the German Sd.Kfz.8 halftrack

This is partial text from the full article (usually with photos) at https://armorama.com/news/panzer-tracts-new-volume-22-6-schwerer-zugkraftwagen-12t-sd-kfz-8
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That’s some of the best news yet from Panzertracts. A completely new title to go with my complete set of these books. It’s at the top of my list! In the order of which I would like to see new titles, my first is a complete re-vamp of the Sturmgeschutz III series, followed by completion of the Pz.Kpfw. IV series. After that, I will eagerly consume whatever new titles they put out. I see that the late Tom Jentz’s name is on the cover. I presume that he was still with us when the book was started.

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This is great news! Literature on this vehicle is rather sparse. I have only the old, better-than-nothing volume #16 from Nuts & Bolts.

On the StuG III, we at least have (had) the two excellent volumes from HistoryFacts:

Sadly out of print, except volume 2 in German.

The Panzer IV definitely needs some love, though. David Coyne on Track-Link coined it (ha!) the most complicated tank in the world (I would say it’s the Sherman). Craig Ellis’ work has been ground-breaking, just from meticulously analyzing period photographs. Now all this information needs to be put in a more systematic form, in my opinion. Panzer Tracts 4-3 is a good start for the H/J, but could be expanded with this new knowledge. Especially regarding the differences between the three manufacturers.

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I have both of the History Facts StuG.III books as well as the N&B book you have mentioned. There’s always room for more. I have heard of, but do not own Mr. Ellis’s book (books?). As he says “eight wheels, good”!

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There are lot of books on Blurb, and also two photo books published by Peko.

The main volumes 1 to 5 can only be ordered as print-on-demand “physical” books:

  • PzKpfw IV at the front Volume 1: Ausf A-C
  • PzKpfw IV at the front Volume 2: Ausf D, E plus TauchPz and VorPz
  • PzKpfw IV at the front Volume 3:Ausf F, F2(G), early G
  • PzKpfw IV at the front Volume 4: mid-late Ausf G, H and J
  • PzKpfw IV at the front Volume 5: Variants

These are very expensive, and I only have volumes 3 and 4, which were on promotion for a short period of time (10% off IIRC).

If you expect something like Panzer Tracts or Nuts & Bolts, you’ll be utterly disappointed, as I was when I first got them. What Craig Ellis published is something completely different. As orginal documents by the 3 manufacturers are sparse, he used only original photographs, preferably when they show legible chassis numbers. As chassis numbers were assigned to the manufacturers in batches, he was able to create fairly detailed timelines of production changes at each factory.

But at times these books are quite hard to follow, as you have to build a mental picture in your head, from just reading image captions pointing to this or that particular detail. You have to make notes and it’s only after a time that you are able to even see the details that he’s pointing out. At least that’s how it was for me.

Next are so-called supplementary editions, some of which can be ordered as e-books:

  1. TauchPzKpfwIV Ausf D and E
  2. BARBAROSSA stowage. A study of unit specific stowage during the invasion of Russia '41
  3. 19th PzDiv 1941 A study of PzRgt 27 PzKpfw IVs during Operation Barbarossa
  4. PzKpfw IV in Fall Gelb

And finally there are the so-called updates, of which I have the last two, as e-books:

  • PzKpfw IV at the front Update No. 1 (Vol 1-5)
  • PzKpfw IV at the front Update No. 2 - Barbarossa stowage cont.
  • PzKpfw IV at the front Update No. 3 - factory production guide (G)
  • PzKpfw IV at the front Update No. 4 - factory differences (upgraded G - early H)

If unsure, I would buy one of the updates 3 or 4 as an e-book to see if that’s your cup of tea. Update 4 has very useful diagrams showing the differences between the factories, for example regarding the turret Schürzen.

NIce alias, BTW! :wink:

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Thank you for this very detailed break-down. It looks as though Mr. Ellis took the route that History Facts did.

I would not expect him to follow the Panzertracts or N&B formats so I do not think that would put me off from purchasing his publications. I shall think on it.

As for my “alias” I did not mean for it to be posted; I thought my full name would show. Shall I assume you are a fan of Mr. Zappa’s work?

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History Facts is at least one step further. I’d say he laid the groundwork, now this material should be put into more systematic form. The “updates” are already much easier to follow: they’re divided into chapters, like “Vomag - early Ausf H” and illustrated with diagrams and more explanatory text. They also contain nice modeling sections. And they’re quite affordable, too: ca. $13 or €11.50.

You assume correctly!

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I saw FZ dozens of times, to include every legendary Halloween show.

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You lucky b***ard! :smiley:

I’m a fan since 1985, so I’ve only seen him twice in 1988, on his last tour with the rock band: Munich and Fürth.

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