Panzer Tracts No. 15-1 leichter Schutzenpanzerwagen (Sd.Kfz.250) Ausf.A & B

 Panzer Tracts publications are known throughout the scale modeling world as one of the definitive sources of research for German armor subjects in WWII.

Their latest release is no exception, covering the Sd.Kfz.250 Ausf.A & B and these variants;

• O-Serie
• Ausf. A 250/Z & 250E armored bodies
• Ausf. B
• 250/1
• 250/3
• 250/5
• 250/7 - 11

The book also contains 14 pages of multi-view CAD drawings of the previously listed vehicle types, as well as substantial interior and in-action photos.

Page Count: 96 heavyweight, glossy pages

Size: 8.5" x 10.5"

English text and captions

Let's Dive in!

The Table of Contents has the following information: 

Chapter 1: Introduction 

Chapter 2: Development

Chapter 3: Description

Chapter 4: Production

Chapter 5: Modifications

Chapters 6-12: Variant Descriptions

Chapter 13: CAD Drawings

Chapters: 14-18 Variant Descriptions

Chapter 19: Organization and Strength

Chapter 1: The introduction highlights the developmental progression of the vehicle and lists the specific variants that were created during the production run.

Chapter 2 is a few pages that discuss the development of the program.

Additional development information and a nice picture of the chassis finish the chapter

Chapter 3 is a two-page description of the vehicle, reviewing the operations and specifications of the individual components.

Chapter 4 focuses on the production numbers of the vehicle and lists the individual assembly manufacturers of the 250.

Chapter 5 is another two-page chapter that deals with the specific part adjustments or improvements during the initial production run.

Chapter 6-19 is where this book begins to shine as a reference guide. Each variant listed contains multiple interior and exterior pictures, providing an amazing source of reference regarding the construction and equipment layout that defines each type of vehicle. 

This is an exterior shot of the 250/1 in a factory-fresh configuration.

 This top-down shot of the O-series Sd.Kfz.250/2 shows the interior of the vehicle, which highlights the layout and features. The accompanying text highlights what you are looking at in the picture and points out specifics of the vehicle.

Additional interior shots of the driver's position and radio station within the Sd.Kfz.250/3. These pictures are essential for the researcher or modeler who is looking to either add or scratch-build details to their modelers.

Every variant of the SD.Kfz. 250 contains these types of pictures.

Excellent rear and side pictures of the Sd.Kfz.250/12 variant.

Chapter 13 This volume also contains 14 CAD drawings of the vehicles listed in the table of contents. Each has four views of the specific vehicle and are in 1/35 scale.

Chapter 19 highlights the organization and strength of the specific variants within the German Army and also includes combat performance stories on the many different fronts and battles where they served.

This chapter has a very nice reference of how dark the German early-war dunkelgrau paint could look. This particular vehicle is also very shiny - the dry tire mud providing a stark contrast.

In conclusion: If you are a modeler of armor, the Panzer Tracks series of books is an indispensable research tool to help provide

essential information for German Army vehicles. Volume 15-1 for the Sd.Kfz.250 continues with this excellence. It is a must-have 

book for the liechter Schutzenpanzerwagen enthusiast.

This book is Highly Recommended for Beginner to Advanced builders.

Thanks goes out to Panzerwrecks Ltd  for this review sample.

Reviewed by Mike Sacklyn

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