Panther Tank Manual (Haynes Manuals): Panzerkampfwagen V Panther (SdKfz 171) (Haynes Enthusiasts' Manual)

Like many other folk, I've been fascinated by the Panther since I bought the Airfix kit back in 1964. This book does well in explaining explaining its checkered history. Designed from the outset to counteract the Soviet T-34, it suffered many faults due to overengineering and parts not being fully tested before main production particularily in the drive train and because of the many design changes during its development and operational history to attempt to counteract the original faults. Heinz Guderain called the Panther his 'problem child' for good reason. Hitler wanted it yesterday, you didn't argue with Hitler - ! Yes, there aren't enough detail photos, but when the Tiger 1 and PzKfw 3 manuals were compiled, the authors had the benefit of photos taken from the complete rebuilds done by the Tank Museum to call on. Not so with the Panther. The late Aufs G Panther there is a non runner with many internal & external parts missing. There are several good shots of the late Aufs G with the thickened 'chin' on the mantlet and others of the Aufs F, or Panther 2 with the Schmalturm which never reached production and a rare one of the model of the DB prototype, explaining why it wasn't selected over the MAN design. Nothing to do with it looking 'too much like the T-34' Overall , a good book.

very interesting series of books plenty of photos, facts and information. good price. for tank fans

a very intresting book.

5 stars great value and detail.

Great Book, fast delivery

Xmas gift for a tank fanatic son. He loved it. No doubt he could strip a tank and rebuild it now as, he keeps reading it!.

Compared to the Haynes Tiger, Sherman or Panzer III books this is very superficial. It consists of mainly operational details and quite familiar photos if you have an interest in this field. Very few interior pictures, mainly external shots that you could get your self after a trip to Bovington. Very little about the mechanics such as the engine or transmission, the things that made the Tiger book stand out

quick service perfect quality

This latest title in the Haynes line of books, is curiously titled as being an “enthusiasts’ manual” rather than the more traditional “operators’ manual” or “workshop manual”. Once one has an actual look at the book iteelf, the reasons for this begin to become evident. Those seeking the more traditional Haynes approach of examining the chosen subject at the “nuts and bolts” level may not find that this is the book they are looking for. The Panther title, authored by Mark Healy (who, in addition to having written several books, also produced the video series “Die Deutschen Panzer”) is a more traditional approach to the subject matter, in that it describes the development, production, combat history and anatomy of the Panther through the use of text and photographs, as well as providing a section of walk-around photographs of preserved examples in museums. In addition to many interesting historical and contemporary photographs, the book offers up a number of helpful drawings. That being said, if you are looking for detailed blueprints or wiring diagrams, etc, you would be well advised to seek them elsewhere. What this book, along with many of the Haynes series of books, sets out to do, is to provide a reasonably comprehensive overview of the Panther series of vehicles. One book cannot likely offer the level of detail a true devotee of the Panther may desire; but at the same time, the level of detail is not so great that it will put off someone who is not well versed on the vehicle type. I have a number of what many would consider to be “core” Panther references in my library, and yet, I find this book still provides useful information even though I have more collective information than it contains. The book contains some interesting photographs, some of which even I’ve not seen and it represents good value for money. If you are a seasoned Panther experten seeking to add a greater depth of information to your library, then perhaps this title is not for you. If on the other hand you are looking for a nicely-produced and good all around Panther reference, then this book may well be worth considering. I have found the Haynes titles to be excellent initial reference choices whenever I begin a modelling project, which I tend to consult prior to delving deeper into my library. They are well-produced, clear and never overwhelming in their scope, while at the same time providing enough information to get the ball rolling as it were. If that sort of thing appeals to you, then by all means pick up a copy and you won’t be disappointed.

After buying many books to try to learn something about Panthers, I was very pleased. Most books briefly touch on them or give you some "facts and figures". Nowhere was I able to find this much information in one place. It cut out a lot of fruitless searching. Recommend it.

Muy buena serie de libros, para amantes de los tanques.

Great in detailed with added depth in information and full of interesting pictures. A comprehensive and amazing quality book.

Ho avuto modo di leggere gli equivalenti manuali sui carri Tiger e T-34, non mi sono quindi fatto mancare quello sul Panther; solito schema introduttivo sulla genesi del carro e del relativo contesto storico, passando poi per una disamina dei singoli componenti costruttivi (motore, cambio, cannone) e delle varianti derivate, il tutto corredato da numerose foto storiche. Da segnalare il contributo del Tank Museum di Bovington (UK), che detiene un modello Ausf G in esibizione statica; è quindi possibile gettare un'occhiata anche all'interno del mezzo (si può approfondire su Youtube nella sezione Tank Chat). Consigliato per tutti gli appassionati di Storia e Modellismo