Oliver, Dennis: Panzer IV. Medium Tank

Volume 51 of the "Tank Craft" series. Throughout World War II, the versatile Panzer IVdespite the arrival of formidable combat vehicles like the Tiger and Pantherremained the backbone of the panzer regiments right up to the final days of the war. Mechanically reliable and relatively inexpensive to manufacture, the Panzer IVs large hull and turret ring diameter allowed for combat capability upgrades (particularly through heavier armament) with only minor adjustments to the production process; furthermore, its robust hull and running gear could be adapted for a wide range of roles, including tank destroyer, anti-aircraft tank, bridge-layer, and recovery vehicle. Originally conceived and developed to support infantry units within German panzer divisions, the Panzer IV was increasingly deployed as a tank destroyer as encounters with more powerful and better-armored enemy vehicles became common. Although production of the Panzer IV had officially ceased in late 1944the tank having fallen out of favor with Hitlermanufacturing soon resumed; as late as March 1945, panzer units operating on the Eastern Front reported an inventory of over 600 vehicles. In this third "Tank Craft" volume dedicated to the vehicle, Dennis Oliver examines the units that operated these tanks, drawing on official records and unit histories. He also highlights the markings, camouflage patterns, and technical details of the Panzer IVs deployed on the Eastern Front in 1944, utilizing archival photographs and meticulously researched color illustrations. A significant portion of the book showcases available model kits and accessories, complemented by a gallery of superbly built and painted models in various scales. Technical details and modifications made during production or in frontline service are also covered, providing the modeler with everything needed to create an authentic replica of these historic vehicles.