Without a doubt, this book on the Hetzer is the most comprehensive to date, and I doubt that it will be surpassed. The english text is easy to follow and well written. The photo quality is superb and refreshing, the color work is top notch, and the indepth look at the Hetzer is totally thorough. All aspects of the Hetzer and G-13 are covered; development, production, variants, battle carrier, cammo patterns, postwar service, production figures, etc.
The nicest aspect of this book is the over abundance of unpublished photos that grace its pages. These are crisp and show detail well, but are also accompanied by line illustrations naming all the parts shown. The five sets of 1:35 drawings cover the early to late production Hetzer variations in fine detail. The Bergpanzer 38 section, with eight photos plus line drawings gives a great view of this little seen vehicle. Jagdpanzer 38 (sIG 33/2) and Jagdpanzer 38 Starr are also given good coverage with good crisp photos and line drawings.
Coverage is also given to Russian T-34s confronting Hetzers for the first time in April, 1945, and a report on four Starr Hetzers being used in the Prague Uprising. When the war ended, production of the Hetzer was continued and it was issued to the new Czech Army. Also, the story of how the Swiss eventually purchased them as Pzj. G-13 for their army is well documented. The final chapter explores the technical aspects of the Hetzer with cross section drawings, cutaways, and even a photo of the underbelly. The various types of wheels, drive sprockets and idler wheels are also illustrated, along with engine shots and open rear deck plates. Excellent views of the interior, and very detail shots of the gun assembly removed from the vehicle. All in all the best coverage of the Hetzer to date.
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