Blue Steel

Sherman Tanks and APCs in South Lebanon

by  Moustafa El-Assad

Reviewed By  Mark Aldrich, IPMS# 39295

MSRP: $20.00 www.blue-steel.info Moustafa El-Assad strikes another hit with his ever increasing "Blue Steel" series of books covering vehicles used by the SLA before their demise. Most of the SLA's vehicles were donated to them from the Israeli army. Therefore, if you are into vehicles used by the Israeli Defense Force, these books are a "must-have". The book is soft bound and contains 68 pages of all color photographs. The M50 and M50 APC are not the only vehicles covered in this book. There are a few pictures of ex-PLO Charioteers, a couple of Israeli Dozer blades (probably used on the M50), a M32 armored recovery vehicle, a few Soltam 160mm mortar carriers, a couple early T-54 tanks, two badly decaying Fireflys, and what I believe is an old M59 armored personnel carrier. The photos are all of excellent quality. They average two to a page with some having only one. Each photo has a short and concise caption explaining what you are looking at. The only downside for me was that the SLA completed two variations of the M50 APC. There was the open-top variation that, I am sure every one has seen. This is the one with welded slab sided armor that was rough cut. They also produced a covered, rounded-side version that had armored glass firing ports. It appears very similar to the late model T-55 APC. The book contains an artist's drawing of this vehicle and what remains of one after being hit by two roadside bombs. If you are into modeling armor of the Middle East Wars then this book, along with the previous editions, is a MUST HAVE! I would like to thank my wife Jerry for allowing me to purchase this book, Moustafa El-Assad for writing it and IPMS/USA for giving me a medium to post the review.

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