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Book Review
11
Flakpanzer IV (Volume 25)
Flakpanzer IV Wirblewind (Sd.kfz.161/4), Ostwind and Kugelblitz, Volume 25
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by: Jim Starkweather [ STAFF_JIM ]

This is volume 25 in the Nuts & Bolts series of reference books. This one is penned by Detlev Terlisten and Heiner F. Duske, and includes a section by Tony Greenland on "Modeling the Flakpanzer IV - Wirbelwind & Ostwind". The book is 169 pages and contains a ton of photos, illustrations, line drawings and modeling in-progress photos. The book text is in both English and German using a clever double column method.

The book tracks the history of the Flakpanzer IV from it's conception thru the end of the war. There are 60 black and white photos that look to all be taken during the war. There are 1:35 scale line drawings of the Wirbelwind, Ostwind and Kugelblitz. It includes unit information showing the number and breakdown of a typical Flakpanzer mobile company. Even history of particular units is included in the text. There are in total about 25 full color illustrations of all the variants showing markings and typical camouflage. This includes an illustration showing the ammunition and the color-coding on each type of shell. In addition of course to all of the above there are many, many full color reference photos of both restored and unrestored vehicles.

The modeling section by Tony Greenland is 13 pages and inlcudes about 30 photos of both completed and in-progress work.

conclusions

This book looks to be a great resource for anyone building a Flakpanzer IV. It covers more than a single variant which is helpful and at 169 pages it provides the basics without costing a fortune. There was a Nuts & Bolts book on the Flakpanzer prior to this (Volume 13), but not having access to that book leads me to guess this is an update with better photos and likely the section by Tony Greenland. If I were to fault the book in any way it would be that the text does not flow in certain places, but it's certainly readable and I doubt many will find fault with the obvious German to English translation. Provided they got the details right and by all appearances there are a lot of details in the book.
SUMMARY
Highs: Lots to read, see, and learn. Can't ask for much more than that.
Lows: The obvious German to English translated portion does not always flow smoothly.
Verdict: A great resource book for the Flakpanzer IV. Great photos, illustrations and a modeling tip section to boot!
Percentage Rating
96%
  Scale: 1:1
  Mfg. ID: 25
  Suggested Retail: $50
  PUBLISHED: Oct 28, 2010
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 89.91%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 94.00%

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About Jim Starkweather (staff_Jim)
FROM: NEW HAMPSHIRE, UNITED STATES

I started building models in 1971 when I was 6. My first model was a 1/32 P-40 Warhawk. Revell I believe. From there I moved onto the standard cars, Apollo spacecraft, and other kid orientated kits. I don't know what got me started on Armor. I must have seen a Monogram tank kit one day and said "Mom...

Copyright ©2021 text by Jim Starkweather [ STAFF_JIM ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

how many pictures of Ostwind are there? Any pictures apart from those in the review? vehicle in operation?
OCT 28, 2010 - 08:50 AM
There are about a dozen b&w photos of the Ostwind. Not sure if some are taken in combat or not. Definitely in the field though. Jim
OCT 28, 2010 - 09:19 PM
   
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