Introduction:

The P-40 is a 3-D UHF mobile radar system operated by the former Soviet Union, developed to support the Soviet anti-aircraft SAM systems. NATO reporting name for the P-40 is "Long Track" since it is based on a modified, longer, version of the AT-T chassis.

Wings & Wheels Publications recently offered reference material on the vehicle in a new book: P-40 Long Track in Detail (G070). The book provides a wealth of visual and technical info on the Soviet P-40 radar system and should be a great companion to modelers interested in adding the extra detail to their Trumpeter P-40/1S12 Long Track S-band acquisition radar (#09569) models.

Review:

I picked up the book at a model show just a few days ago and couldn’t resist flipping through it right away. At first glance, it’s very impressive — printed on high-quality paper, thoughtfully organized, professionally presented, and packed with large, full-color photos.

Here are the basic facts:

Title: P-40 Long Track in Detail (Soviet 1S12 and 1RL111D/128D Radar Variants)

Publisher: Wings & Wheels Publications (WWP)

Code: G070

Authors: František Kořán et al.

Format: softcover (22x24 cm)

Pages: 84

Color: full color

Language: English

ISBN: 978-80-87509-98-2

Retail Price: $32 (€25)

The title follows the same WWP layout and features Czech, Slovak, Polish, Hungarian and East German vehicles, photographed in army museums or in private collections. The book consists of over 270 full color photos and diagrams, and is organized in 11chapters:

• Introduction (002-007)

• Initial Series Exterior (008-009)

• Mid/Late Series Exterior (010-031)

• Early/Mid Series Engine (032-037)

• Early Series Antenna (038-039)

• Mid/Late Series Antenna (040-051)

• Mid Series Driver’s Cab (052-057)

• Late Series Driver’s Cab (058-059)

• Early Series Operator’s Cab (060-069)

• Late Series Operator’s Cab (070-075)

• Radar Power Systems (076-083)

The first chapter, Introduction, is dedicated to P-40/1S12 history, displaying the different variants of the vehicle. The next up are two chapters showing the vehicle exterior, both Initial Series Exterior, and more comprehensive Mid/Late Series Exterior. These pages are packed with images displaying the details of the vehicle body: driver’s cabin, battery bay, storage boxes, shelter details, gas turbine exhaust, rear powerplant, roof and suspension details…. it’s all there, also noting the most prominent differences between early and mid/late vehicle variants. Early/Mid Series Engine chapter consists of 6 pages with detailed images of the engine and gearbox. Although Trumpeter kit doesn’t include an engine, some die-hard modelers might want to tackle resin aftermarket offerings from PanzerShop and add these parts. Early Series Antenna and Mid/Late Series Antenna chapters go deep in displaying the antenna mirror and the complete 1S12M1antenna with all upgrades, emitters arm, as well as 1S12A NRZ IFF antenna, again noting the differences between the variants. These images are absolutely amazing and cover the large antenna and its components in remarkable detail. The following chapters show the inside of the vehicle, first the driver’s compartment with Mid Series Driver’s Cab and Late Series Driver’s Cab and then the operator’s compartment with Early Series Operator’s Cab and Late Series Operator’s Cab. These pages provide an exceptional collection of images that capture every intricate detail of a vehicle interior, from dashboard instrument panels, steering components, radio and intercoms, as well as the operator walls with radar monitors and locator screens. The final chapter covers the Radar Power Systems, behind the operator’s compartment, with blocks and systems for gas turbines, electro power plants and equipment for vehicle antenna.

The book is well-structured and easy to follow, allowing readers to focus on specific areas of interest with ease. With text kept to a minimum, the clear and comprehensive photography does most of the talking, offering a highly effective and inspiring resource for modelers seeking accuracy and detail.

Conclusion:

P-40 Long Track in Detail from WWP is an impressive photo reference book that offers a wealth of visual and technical information on the Soviet P-40 radar vehicle. With 84 pages packed with over 270 high-quality color photographs showing the vehicle exterior and interior in amazing detail, the book provides an invaluable visual resource for modelers and military enthusiasts alike.

Highly recommended.