Toadman's M18 GMC and M39 AUV Photo Detail CD
This is one of Toadman's earlier releases, and I'm happy to say that the quality of content on this disc is every bit as good as what's on his more recent work. The man is consistent!
For computers using Microsoft Windows, the CD auto starts when placed into your computer and opens in a internet browser format. Simple and easy to navigate around in. For MAC systems, the auto-run feature will not work, this is addressed on a slip of paper tucked into the case with the CD.
The CD opens with an introduction containing a very brief history on each vehicle, followed by ackowledgements and a listing of sources {primarily print references}.
The pictures on this CD were taken at the Military Vehicle Technology Foundation ( the Littlefield Collection ), Portola Valley, California and also at the World War Two US Military Vehicle Museum in San Rafael, California in 2005 / 2006.
M18 GMC Main Table of Contents
Turret Exterior table of contents
Hull Exterior table of contents
Suspension table of contents
Turret Interior table of contents
Hull Interior table of contents
There are upwards of 270 photos distributed throughout the above sections, taken both in overview fashion and in close up detail. There are pictures of virtually all components, even the under belly of the vehicle, including the hull escape hatch! Below are just a couple of sample photos to show the overall quality of the pictures.
For those wanting to detail the AFV Club M18, this is a terrific source of information. The good photos of components during restoration provide views which would be extremely difficult to find anywhere else.
M39 AUV {Armored Utility Vehicle}
Hull Exterior table of contents
Suspension table of contents
Interior table of contents
This fairly scarce vehicle is covered in thorough detail by 125+ photographs contained in the above sections. As with the M18 GMC, all components are covered in good detail, despite the tricky lighting conditions found in the garage area where the vehicle was located. Below are a couple of sample photos to show the quality of the content.
Conclusions
I've said it before, but I'll say it again. At $7.99 plus a couple of bucks for shipping { $2.35 to be exact}, a disc packed full of clear, bright, outstanding photos like this is a steal. AMPS members get 20% off, so it's even more of a bargain.
The photos are clear, bright and well composed. The CD is easy to navigate around on, and the photos are captioned so you know what you're viewing.
Bear in mind that these pictures are of restored vehicles or vehicles undergoing restoration, so there may be kibbles and bits that weren't present in the field in 1945 or another specific time period or location. But, that's why additional reference resources is always a good idea, even with a resource as good as this one.
I continue to be very impressed with the value of this line of reference CDs.
Highly Recommended
Thanks to Toadman's Tank Pictures for the review sample
Reviewed by Chuck Aleshire, AMPS Chicagoland
*****