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31 January 2013

Panther Germany Quest For Combat Dominance

The Panther tank is one of my favorite tank. Osprey has released a hardcover book titled "Panther Germany's Quest For Combat Dominance". This one is quite a big book, with 280 pages, covering the Panther tank from all angles.
The book is split into 5 chapters, covering Background, Firepower, Protection, Mobility and finally the Variants.  The tank has always been a matter of the balance achieved between Firepower, Protection and Mobility as it is very difficult to get that balance right, as the answer isn't checked until it gets into combat, at which time it is too late to change significantly.  The book is heavily illustrated throughout and examines the Panther in detail, as well as putting it into context with the other designs of the period.  Some of the engineering was rushed into service before it was fully developed unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your point of view.  Breakdowns were a regular source of problems for the Panther throughout its service.  Like other German equipment of WW2, it was also very well engineered, and as a result was complex and time consuming to construct. Despite the elegance of the design, that doesn't help when production numbers were so important. 
Source: Military Modelling
The highlight of this book, as described in Military Modelling is illustrations of the surviving Panther all over the world, in museum and in private collectors hands.

For purchase you may visit Osprey website or Amazon website. Of course, you should visit your nearest hobby shop or book shop to see if they have it in stock. It is faster that way.

Image Credit : Osprey Publishing

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