Mushroom Model Publications

Magyar Steel, Special No 4101

by  Csaba Becze

Reviewed By  Kip Rudge, IPMS# 40597

MSRP: 15.99 GBP ISBN: 978-8389450296 Contact the publishers at www.mmpbooks.biz . To say that the story of Hungarian armor in World War 2 has been neglected is somewhat of an understatement. While the Hungarians didn't really register on the vast scales that epitomized the Eastern Front, they played a role that can't be ignored. This is the first book I have ever seen devoted solely to the Hungarian presence in Russia and the Eastern Front. I have a hard time thinking I'll ever see a better treatment in a standard soft cover format. Not only do you get the nuts and bolts and numbers of who, what, when, where and why, but Becze provides some excellent first person accounts. This is a book that really does cover a lot of ground in a relatively small space. The Hungarian armored forces were ill-served by their upper leadership and the grand designs of Hitler's Germany. While they had a relatively competent native manufacturing capability, it was never going to be confused with any of the great European powers. And while the native designs were outmoded, for the most part, by the time the Hungarian vehicles enter combat, there is quite an interesting story to tell. Personally I always thought the Csaba armored car was a very cool looking vehicle. The Toldi and Turan tanks are very interesting. But the Hungarians tried to upgrade their vehicles, which makes for some interesting reading. The eyes also get a feast here as well. This book has far more photos of native Hungarian vehicles and those purchased from the Germans than any other book I've seen. Those photos are supplemented by a nice selection of color plates. Add to that a nice set of 1/35th scales plans and photos of surviving Hungarian vehicles in Kubinka and you really have a very nice overview of a little-known aspect of WW2. Let's see … a good read and some killer eye candy … can't think of a better endorsement for a really nifty gem of a book. Thanks to Mushroom Models for this review copy.

About the Reviewer: Kip Rudge is a founding member of the Blue-Grey Renegades IPMS Chapter of Lynchburg VA. He one day hopes to be named king of his own country.

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