Panzerwrecks has "reissued" volume 5-1 of the Panzer Tracts series, dedicated to the Panther Ausf. D. Although it is based on the old 5-1, there are so many changes that it can be hardly called reissue.
This review will treat the book as if it were new, with a final section on changes from the previous edition.
The book is a softcover volume in portrait format, approximately A4 size and 124 pages long.
The text is supported by a total of 102 photographs, all of high quality and sharpness, and often printed on half a page or even a full page, allowing all the details to be appreciated. There are also numerous tables and, of course, Hilary Louis Doyle's excellent drawings.
If purchased directly from Panzerwrecks , it comes with a bonus set of 1/16 plans of a June 1943 M.A.N.‑built Ausf.D. This is a very large print, on a single sheet, with all the details and precision of Hilary Doyle's work.
After the index, printed on the inside cover, the introduction devotes a page to explaining the methodology used: what can we find in the photos and plans in the book, the use of original plans as a reference, on-site measurement of the only preserved Ausf. D, and other details.
Chapter two is Panzer Design and Development and, as its name suggests, is a detailed seventeen-page description of the beginnings of the project, including information on the alternative presented by Daimler Benz. The text includes numerous quotes from reports and communications, as well as photos of the V1 and V2 prototypes. It is noteworthy that there are several photos of the interior of the turret. There is also a detailed comparative table of the characteristics of the Daimler Benz VK30.01 (D) and the M.A.N. VK30.02 (M) proposals, which was ultimately chosen.
The third chapter is Panther Ausf. D, and provides details on the components of this tank, such as the hull, suspension, engine, armament, etc., over two pages.
The fourth chapter is Production History and contains information on contracts with different manufacturers, production tables by month and manufacturer, and a spectacular collection of production and field test photos. These include the interior of the turret in great detail, photos of the tank with a test turret without a gun, the starter, and more. There are also two full-page drawings with an isometric cutaway view of the turret.
The fifth chapter is one of the hallmarks of the series: the set of plans meticulously drawn by Hilary Louis Doyle based on period documentation and his own measurements of preserved elements, which are one of the great attractions of the book. In addition to the drawings in the five traditional views (top, front, rear and two sides) at 1/35 scale of the main types, there are a large number of plans of elements such as wheels, hatches, fan covers, tool holders, tool boxes, headlights and many more, all at 1:10 scale.
On the one hand, representation at this scale allows for much greater detail to be seen. On the other hand, being separate eliminates the distortion that all those elements placed at an angle have when shown in the general plans. In total there are 40 pages of drawings.
The sixth chapter is devoted to the Modifications Introduced during Production. The changes made in manufacturing are detailed chronologically. Reports of defects found are also included. As in the other sections, the text is accompanied by numerous photos.
Chapter seven focuses on the command version, the Befehlspanzerwagen Panther, detailing the particularities of this variant.
The eighth chapter is about operational experience and contains several reports submitted by units about their experience with the Panther. It is always interesting to read what the crew themselves thought at the time.
As usual in Panzer Tracts, space is used to the maximum, so that on the inside of the back cover there is a summary of the Panther's technical characteristics with measurements, engine data, armour, speed and much more.
Finally, on the back cover there is a table with the most important changes in production and when they were introduced, and another table with the monthly production of each manufacturer up to a total of 842 vehicles in 1943.
Differences from the original edition
This new edition is a significant improvement on the previous one. Not only has the presentation been updated, with a much more polished design, glossy paper and a new font, but above all, 52 pages have been added, allowing for many more photos and information.
Chapters on the Befehlsfanzer and operational experience have been included. The text has been reorganised and extensively updated with new information.
The book is now easier to read, thanks to the design and reorganization, and contains updated and extended information.
Conclusion
This new volume of Panzer Tracts updates and expands on the already highly recommended original book, maintaining its status as an indispensable reference on the technical aspects of the Panther Ausf. D.
Although the content is the main focus, the aesthetic update greatly improves the book, which also benefits from a better structure and is now more organised.
It brings together rigorous and comprehensive text covering from the beginning of the project to its development and later evaluation by the crews, a very complete set of plans for both the vehicles and many individual elements, and a large number of very clear and sharp photos that support and complement the above. In addition, the 1/16 set of drawings included if acquired at Panzerwrecks is a welcome bonus.
For all these reasons, I believe that the new edition of Panzerwrecks is an essential work for modellers or history buffs who are interested in the Panther Ausf. D.