Does anyone know of any good books on German halftracks? I'm looking for one that has info and pics of armored and un armored ones ie the SWS Opel Maultiers SdKfz 11 and other cargo carriers I've seen a book atvertised at www.rzm.com called Shutzen Panzer by Ryton Publications RP-010 It's $60 U.S. I believe it only covers the 250 and 251 series armored versions only
I'd like to get the book but is it worth it?
For some reason I wanna build up a bunch of German half tracks

Hi General ........ how are you ?
Yes, Schutzenpanzer by Ryton is a good book. All the high priced book's are usually what I buy, and you usually get what you pay for. Another book you might want to check out is this one below. I buy my book's at Tollehaus. Take a look at the website you'll find plenty of what your looking for - http://tollehausbooks.com/mcart/index.cgi?ID=RVUGE9



- ralph

Chad,

I believe that you are right about the Schutzen Panzer book only covering the 250 and 251, but I can't remember for sure. If you are interested in 250s or 251s though that book is the bible. It is a wonderful reference and well worth the cost.

NUTS & BOLTS VOL 12,
SCHWERE ZUGKRAFTWAGEN 18 TO AND VARIANTS, FAMO "BULLE" (SD KFZ 9)

by Dr Nicholaus Hettler

I have this book and wouldn't be without it. It is the resource for the SdKfZ9. Packed with full colour pictures inside and out.

RZM should also have the Ryton book Militarfahrzeuge of the Wehrmacht vol. 1 This book covers all "softskins" from motorcycles to SWS's with great photos of all of the major types. I do not know if vol 2 has been published lately. All of the Ryton books I own are the tops for Photos and information. they are well worth the price.

Chad,
There are a number of books on the halftracks used by Germany during the war.

As Ralph said, Tollehaus books is the one stop shop for finding them. I really like that shop... he even tells you on the website if the book is currently in stock.

As far as the Ryton book, check the "Armorama Bookshelf", I wrote a short "/review" of that book... the subjects covered include the Sdkfz 11, 250, 251 and the sWs. The major emphasis is definitely on the 250 and 251.

Other books on the half tracks that have not been mentioned -
Osprey New Vanguard - 251 series
Osprey New Vanguard - German Armored Cars & Reconnaissance Half-Tracks

German Light Half-Tracked Prime Movers 1934-1945 by Reinhard Frank
German Medium Half-Tracked Prime Movers 1934-1945 by Reinhard Frank
German Heavy Half-Tracked Prime Movers 1934-1945 by Reinhard Frank

The Military Machine - FAMO 18t - by Stefan Konig

SdKfz.251 in Polish Museum - Wydawnictwo Books

Militaria Books #12 SdKfz. 251 in Detail - Wydawnictwo Books

And of course, Squadron's 251 in Action.

This list is in no way complete... but it does cover most of the readily available ones.

By the way, I'd say that the Ryton book is worth the money. It's loaded with photos and the text is actually very good also.
Later,
Tim