Toadman's Tank Pictures

Lioness & Lion Of The Line

by  Dr. Robert Manasherob

Reviewed By  Mark Aldrich, IPMS# 39295

MSRP: $34.95 ISBN: 0-9774627-9-X Website: www.toadmanstankpictures.com Once again, there is a new M-50 Sherman book out. Like all Israeli Defense Force material, I basically had to have it. Again, I am not at all disappointed. If you are a fan of the Israeli Defense force or the M-50 Sherman tank, this one is for you too! This is supposed to be part one of a three part series. The two following volumes are going to cover the M-51 and then early Shermans. There also appears to be an Israeli half track series or at least one book on that subject forthcoming. This book is 80 pages long and is softbound with hard glossy color pages. There are over 310 black and white photographs and over 30 in color. There are three pages of color plates and seven pages of line drawings. Almost all the black and white photographs are from the war years. I have never seen some of these and though I am not sure if all of these vehicles went into combat, there are some of these pictures that make for interesting model subjects. There is a photo of an M4A4 that still appears to the "Crocodile" fittings on the right side of the hull with an M-50 turret on it. Also, a neat feature I have never seen. It shows some weary looking hulls with the brand new and shiny M-50 turret mounted to it. There are also a couple of photographs of captured Egyptian M4A4 hulls that have the rear bustle added, new gun, the new Continental R-975 radial engine and deck layout, but not the new mantlet. All the color photos come from preserved Museum pieces and the interior photos are courtesy of the restored M-50 from the Littlefield collection. They also include 2 pages of color photos of the Egyptian M4A4 Hybrid at the Latrun Museum. The text is well written and very informative. It covers the slow and painstaking process the Israeli Defense Force had to endure before they finally received and fielded their first M-50. Overall this is an incredible tome. Well worth the cover price. It is loaded with all kinds of useful photos and information. If you order the book from Toadman and purchase 2 of his great CD photo collections, shipping is free. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the IDF or the M-50 Sherman. I would like to thank my wonderful wife for once again allowing me to purchase this incredible book.

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