I think all of them books are 'must haves'. Pricing is ok! Looking forward to this one. Robert Jan

The N&B series is always a good basis for any build.

While these are really the authority on almost everything they offer they are NOT reasonably priced for mere paperbacks. If they were hard covers or spiral-bound they'd at least offer long-term value. I don't know where you get yours, Rob, but here in Canada they typically -even in used book stores- cost as much (or even more) than the kit that they were bought for. And postage is always a steep deterrent as well, though that one isn't totally their fault. I've become a big fan of pristine used as a result.

I'm very happy about this release. German halftracks are for the most part well covered, except for the two heavy softskins. There are no Panzer Tracts covering them, and the older Nuts & Bolts are not as good as the new series, which started with Volume 19. A book on the Famo, mentioned by Terry Ashley, is long out of print. I'm eager to learn more about the artillery version, which is about to be released soon, hopefully, by Trumpeter.

Good books generally ARE pricey, partly because the printing process for good photos (along with color plates, of course). I have used the older version (vol. 12), so I will be very eager to see what improvements there are. It has been quite useful in my build of the ancient Tamiya kit, though most of the walk-around photos are from one vehicle only.

Other than the German site, anyone else taking pre-orders?? And on this continent??

Dealers are shown on this page : LINK Good luck with that however... Perhaps if several of you badger the same shop you might get them to invest in some stock. In the UK Historex Agents generally do have actual stock and dispatch quickly and for reasonable price.

I have been told by the publisher that Vol. 43 is completely new and has no photos, drawings or text from Vol. 12

Just got mine yesterday (28 Jan). It's everything I thought it would be and then some. Great additional historical background of the vehicles. Lots of photos I've never seen. Great model work too (although I wish there was more technique secrets revealed). Not even close to Volume 12 (although it does well all by itself). With that being said: Trumpy is coming out with their FAMO versions soon, and the aftermarket will have to immediately get to work in pounding out parts that will fit all versions of the FAMO (which should benefit Tamiya's FAMOs as well). Is Decal Star listening/looking?? All in all, this book is a very in-depth work of which I recommend be placed in your library.