|
AJaKS – Military Books
T-34 Reviewed By Mark Aldrich, #39295 |
|
|
|
When John asked if anyone wanted to review this item, I jumped at the chance. My mind, of course, was thinking, “Yeah just what we need, another T-34 book.” I was WRONG. I have over 10 T-34 series books in my possession. This is a great addition to anyone’s collection. First off, it is BIG! The sheets are 8 ½ by 11 ½ . It is 84 pages long; of which half is scale drawings, ¾ representations (11 pages), and 3 view color plates (8 pages). Second, the book has no copyright but the line drawings are copyrighted in 2002. The text portions are in Polish and translated English. The Translation is actually quite good and readable. The book covers the general history of the T-34. In the photos, all black and white and most I have NEVER seen, a description is given; including the factory where the machine was produced. Very in depth work there. There was another oddity about the photos. All are well focused and posses great detail, I did notice that 98% show the t-34 in a destroyed or abandoned state. This caught me as odd as most of the photos I have seen were of the T-34 in action. Also, there were several photos of the T-34 (again destroyed) side by side with some lend lease Valentines. The photos alone are worth this book for diorama ideas. Finally, twelve pages are dedicated to small reviews of past and present T-34’s only (no 85’s) kits on the market. Also included are many after market suppliers and the items they produce for the T-34 builder. Oddly again, no Verlinden, Tanks Workshop, or Warrior is mentioned. Might have to do with what they could get in Poland. Opposite of that, there were several name mentioned that I had never heard of as well. All in all, this is an excellent book to add to your T-34 collection or to start it with. It sells for $24.95 at www.armybook.com and is worth every penny. |
