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Book Review
Panzerwrecks 9
Panzerwrecks 9 Italy #1
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by: Dave O'Meara [ GRUMPYOLDMAN ]

As most people know, I am not a "GAB", although I've been known worldwide to be a "Crab".
What's a "GAB" I heard you mumble, well, a "GAB" is short for "German Armor Builder", something I'm surely not. In fact my knowledge of German armor goes as far as being able to tell a Panzer I from a Panzer II, and don't ever ask me what the Ausf is!

But I do believe I can do an unbiased review of this book, especially since I did find it not only interesting, but also informative. But it still hasn't made me into an expert, nor do I have an overwhelming desire to run out and suddenly start building Tigers and Panthers.

Call me strange, (you won't be the first to do this, I want y'all to know) but I couldn't help wonder what happened to the poor souls who crewed these vehicles, and if any of them survived the war, much less the incident that put their vehicle into such shambles. I also wondered if perhaps they could have been unmanned when attacked.

An interesting facet covered by this volume of Panzerwrecks was the installation of demolition charges, which to my understanding was standard fare on German Panzers, (and something new I learned-- which is what I think books of this nature are for-- Learning!). So I did learn a few things, which is good, BUT-- I'm still no expert, nor will I ever pretend to be one. It also helped ease my senile mind, as perhaps some of the devastating destruction of these vehicles could have been done by these charges, minus crew. (See--- and now y'all are finding out about my sensitive self!)

I found the photos to be crisply printed on nice heavy stock, glossy paper, and I believe most modelers who do German Armor will love this book. It covers the Panzers used in Italy, so besides the wrecks, most have some pretty heavy weathering. Not all photos show a totally destroyed vehicle, and you need to look closely for the damage, and again I found myself wondering if the crew survived, or just abandoned the vehicle, and the shot holes were simply put into it by passing Allied tanks to make sure it was dead.

I'm sure the dedicated GAB, will find loads of interesting photos to turn into interesting destroyed vehicle dioramas.
SUMMARY
Highs: Clear photos, nicely reproduced, informative text especially for its short format.
Lows: Can think of none, especially if you have an interest in German Armor.
Verdict: Those that know more about German Armor, may have different impressions and opinions of these books, but for myself, I enjoyed it, and may pick up a few more.
  Scale: Other
  Suggested Retail: 29.95 USD
  PUBLISHED: Dec 07, 2009
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.92%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 94.33%

Our Thanks to Panzerwrecks!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Dave O'Meara (Grumpyoldman)
FROM: FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

I'm rewriting this in a much more humoristic way, to help over inflate my ego, and place my self on a pedestal, because I don't have a life, and plastic models are the only thing I live for. I plead guilty as charged to excessive babble, light hearted humor, and continued encouragement to youngsters...

Copyright ©2021 text by Dave O'Meara [ GRUMPYOLDMAN ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Italy 1? Does that mean there will be more??
DEC 07, 2009 - 11:33 AM
I believe that it's referencing Italy's position within its World Cup group for next year. Then again, I could be totally wrong. I've been known to be at times. Even genii have an off day. Now, what was the question?
DEC 07, 2009 - 01:01 PM
I would imagine there probably will be an Italy 2 once they find enough unpublished photos for it. I'm pretty sure there would be buyers for a second volume.
DEC 07, 2009 - 01:13 PM
   
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