Tank Craft #42: Jagdtiger Tank Destroyer

Author/Artists: Dennis Oliver

Publisher

Pen & Sword

Price

$29.95 from Casemate

Reviewer:

Scott Van Aken

Notes: 64 pages, softcover, 200 illustrations
ISBN: 978-1-399033808

Their latest book from Pen & Sword's series on military vehicles concentrates on the Jagdtiger Tank Destroyer on the western front during the last months of the war in 1945. The Jagdtiger was based on the King Tiger and carried a 128mm gun, making it the largest production armored vehicle used in the war.

Because it was developed and built so late during the war, not a lot of these were able to make it into service, though when used effectively, the result was devastating for the recipient. Probably not too surprising is that due to its size and weight, it was very difficult to recover if it broke down or was damaged, requiring three large vehicles to tow it.

This series of books not only looks at the various units that operated the type, but also has a section that covers the differences between vehicles as upgrades were made on the assembly line.  Another popular section are full color profiles. These are based on photos that are either provided in this section or other pages in the book. Due to the paucity of clear images of these vehicles, the author admits that on some of them, he had to take an educated guess. Finally, there is a modeler's section. This provides several build articles or galleries that show off the work of some very talented modelers. This includes 1/35 builds of Tamiya and Takom kits as well as a 1/16 Trumpeter kit. A part of this is a brief look at available kits and accessories.

In all, this series has become a favorite of many modelers and enthusiasts alike. It is well worth picking up if you are an enthusiast of armor or the modeling of it.

June 2024

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