Medium Tank M3 to M3A5: General Lee/Grant (Tanks in Detail 4)

Designed with the modeler, preservationist and the wargamer in mind, Ian Allan Publishing's new 'in Detail' series is intended to provide the reader with a comprehensive history of the type of tank, self-propelled propelled gun and military transport featured. Each volume will include detailed history of the unit in service, along with information on variants, markings, unit allocations, etc. Alongside the comprehensive illustrative section, which will include detailed shots of models in color, the books will also include scale drawings and comprehensive guidance notes on camouflage. As a valuable part of its Blitzkrieg tactics, the German army deployed light armored cars in the forward reconnaissance role. The success of these vehicles led to the requirement for a heavy armored car - the SdKfz 231 series. These advanced design eight-wheel drive and steering vehicles entered service in 1938 and were unique in another way: they were the first military vehicles to have two - a front and a rear - driving positions. Development continued through the war years and in 1942 the 234 series entered service. These were much-improved vehicles with better armor and more powerful armament. The 231/234 series spurred the US Army to develop its own eight-wheel armored car, the Boarhound. A direct descendent of the 8 Rad, the Schwerer Panzersph?wagen Luchs, remains in service with the German Army of today. With interest in all forms of military equipment from World War 2 increasing; this new series from Ian Allan Publishing comes at an appropriate time. It will be much sought after historians, modelers and war gamers alike.