Panther Tank Manual (Haynes Manuals): Panzerkampfwagen V Panther (SdKfz 171) (Haynes Enthusiasts' Manual)

Like many other folk, I've been fascinated by the Panther since I bought the Airfix kit back in 1964. This book does well in explaining explaining its checkered history. Designed from the outset to counteract the Soviet T-34, it suffered many faults due to overengineering and parts not being fully tested before main production particularily in the drive train and because of the many design changes during its development and operational history to attempt to counteract the original faults. Heinz Guderain called the Panther his 'problem child' for good reason. Hitler wanted it yesterday, you didn't argue with Hitler - ! Yes, there aren't enough detail photos, but when the Tiger 1 and PzKfw 3 manuals were compiled, the authors had the benefit of photos taken from the complete rebuilds done by the Tank Museum to call on. Not so with the Panther. The late Aufs G Panther there is a non runner with many internal & external parts missing. There are several good shots of the late Aufs G with the thickened 'chin' on the mantlet and others of the Aufs F, or Panther 2 with the Schmalturm which never reached production and a rare one of the model of the DB prototype, explaining why it wasn't selected over the MAN design. Nothing to do with it looking 'too much like the T-34'Overall , a good book.

Volumes in medium format, richly illustrated, deal with the topic in a monothematic way. In about 200 pages they offer enthusiasts an excellent overview on the subject, even if some volumes, in relation to the subject, are more in-depth than others. Especially if you buy them on offer at less than half the cover price (about £ 20) they are a bargain

Compared to the Haynes Tiger, Sherman or Panzer III books this is very superficial. It consists of mainly operational details and quite familiar photos if you have an interest in this field. Very few interior pictures, mainly external shots that you could get your self after a trip to Bovington. Very little about the mechanics such as the engine or transmission, the things that made the Tiger book stand out

Xmas gift for a tank fanatic son.He loved it.No doubt he could strip a tank and rebuild it now as, he keeps reading it!.

quick service perfect quality

Up to usual Haines high standard

tres satisfait

Really good book, well written with good photos and information