SdKfz 250/1 to 250/12: Military Vehicles in Detail 1: Armoured Halftrack (Miltary Vehicles in Detail 1) - Tapa blanda

During World War 2 the combatants produced countless types of tank, military transport, self-propelled guns and other specialized military transport for use against the enemy. Some of these types were successful; others were less so. But all, however, played a role in the unfolding drama of the war. Contracts to design and develop a range of half-track vehicles were placed by the German government with various manufacturers in 1932. The first prototypes completed were those in the 8-ton and 3-ton classes and were developed by Hanomag. The Leichter ZugKraftwagen HIK12 3-ton model was developed over four years to become the standardized SdKfzII in army service. The vehicle was fitted with a 90hp Maybach, six-cylinder, water-cooled petrol engine and manual transmission. Although design and development was in the hands of Hanomag, production was subcontracted to other manufacturers, including Adler, Bussing-NAG, Phanomem, Saurer and Skoda. The chassis was fitted with various bodies, including open-back supply truck, troop carrier, artillery tractor, search light and light flak gun carrier, and smike generator. There were also armoured car, armoured command vehicle, armoured troop carrier and armoured ambulance variants. Designed with the modeller, historian and wargamer in mind, Ian Allan Publishing's new 'in Detail' series is intended to provide a comprehensive history of the type of tank, self propelled gun and military transport featured. Each volume will include a detailed history of the unit in service, along with information on variants, markings, unit allocations etc. Alongside the comprehensive illustrative section, which will include detailed shots of models in full colour, the book will also include scale drawings and comprehensive guidance notes on camouflage.

Jonathan Forty lives in Dorset and is the author of a number of books and in recent years has actively assisted his father George Forty - a well known military historian - in researching and complling books on a range of military subjects.