Introduction

This offering from Pen and Sword as part of their Tank Craft series and is on this occasion looks at Jagdpanzer IV German Army and Waffen SS Tank Destroyers Western Front 1944-45. This book as with all of the titles in this series are I feel an attempt to offer the modeller a combination package covering both reference on the vehicles and a look at the models available to replicate the Jagdpanzer IV Tank Destroyer as a scale model.

The following portion of the introduction is from the Pen and Sword website:
Combining the destructive firepower of the 75mm gun with the mobility of the Pzkpfw IV medium tank , the Jagdpanzer IV was quite possibly the most effective tank destroyer of the Second World War. From early 1944 these vehicles were allocated to the anti-tank battalions of Panzer and Panzergrenadier divisions and saw action in Normandy, the Ardennes and the final battles in Germany. In his latest book in the TankCraft series, Dennis Oliver uses contemporary photographs and meticulously researched, superbly presented colour and monochrome illustrations to tell the story of these self-propelled anti-tank guns and the units which operated them in the German defence of the Western Front. As with all the books in the TankCraft series, a large part of this work showcases available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of expertly constructed and painted models. Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also explained giving the modeller all the information and knowledge required.

Review

This offering from Pen and Sword is authored by Dennis Oliver; Dennis Oliver has authored Twenty of the titles in this series and is at home covering both Allied and Axis armour. This is a soft backed book with a good card cover protecting 64 pages of semi gloss paper. The contents of this title are laid out as follows:

Introduction
The Western Front 1944 - 45
Panzer Units
Panzerjager Units
Camouflage and Markings
Model Showcase
Modelling Products
Heavy Panzerjager Units
Waffen SS Units
Technical Details and Modifications
Product Contact Details

This offering from Pen and Sword looks at the Jagdpanzer IV and the units that utilised it. In the defensive role it was one of the best tank destroyers produced, even better than my beloved Stug. The author has done a good job in a small number of pages in providing the reader with a back story on the vehicle and the units that used them in combat. Combine these attributes with the period photographs included and you get a get mix for your money. I like this approach as it provides something for both the vehicle alone modeller and the fan of producing dioramas with their models. Looking at the period photographs there are some interesting camouflage scheme's being put to use.

What I think of as the modelling sections of the title starts with the camouflage and markings and this shows a number of Jagdpanzer IV’s from the left or right aspect. Looking at these drawings does make me think that the green used is too green and this has been pointed out previously, but I can forgive this attribute as it still shows the patterns used in various cases; I am unsure why the green is so green in this books. A nice inclusion with these drawings are a number of period photographs showing either specific areas of the tank or the tank replicated, one in particular looking at a Zimmerit application is interesting. The models covered here are basically just builds and while it shows what can be achieved it does not explain how to get there. The models are as follows:

Jagdpanzer IV - Ausf L/48 - 1/35th by Angel Inigo
Panzer IV - L/70 (V) Tank Destroyer - 1/35th by Penny Shi
Panzer IV - L/70 (V) Tank Destroyer - 1/35th by Kentaro Takabayashi
Panzer IV - L/70 (V) Tank Destroyer - 1/35th by Lim Kian Guan
Panzer IV - L/70 (V) Tank Destroyer - 1/76th by Theodoros Kalamatas
This last one showing what can be presented when the ancient Matchbox kit is shown some love.

The models and aftermarket offerings are reasonably well covered, but I was surprised to see the current Hobby Boss offering not correctly identified as the Tristar model that was subsequently purchased by the Trumpeter/Hobby Boss company; I am not complaining as I like seeing this model available as it is still a great scale replica. Looking at what is provided will give any modeller at good look at what is available out there at this time.

Conclusion

This offering from Pen and Sword as part of their Tank Craft book series and this time looking at the Jagdpanzer IV is another great addition to the series. Looking over this title it is hard to pick fault, but the text is still broken by the modelling section and this tends to throw off your train of thought. This is a nice stand alone offering or a great series depending on where you stand.