Israeli Sherman-based Self-Propelled Weapons Parts 1 & 2

With the release of several new IDF kits and a regained interest in Israeli Shermans, I was elated to hear that Tom Gannon was to release a two volume set on Sherman based self-propelled weapons as a follow up to his iconic Israeli Shermans book.  however, Trackpad Publishing is the one releasing the book and not the publisher of my first volume; Barbarossa Books.

The books are expensive but worth it.  However Trackpad Publishing is in Europe so shipping adds to the expense but Michael Shackleton, of Trackpad Publishing, offered me the pair if I covered shipping so I jumped at the chance!  In ten days, I received the books well packed and individually wrapped in cellophane.  These are in depth books with volume one comprising of 168 pages and volume 2 with 214 pages!  Let’s look at each one individually.

Volume 1

Volume one has five chapters and appendices.  They cover:

1. In the Beginning: Acquiring artillery – 50 period and display piece photographs of the early guns used.  These are not self propelled but give users some ideas for their artillery collection such as the 25 pounder.
2. Israeli M7 Priest – 56 photographs over 28 pages.  For me the highlight is the color section which includes used by the Hagmar defense forces as a static gun with a shelter built over the fighting compartment.
3. TOMAT M50 155mm: Part 1 – Continental engine TOMAT – 54 photographs over 29 pages makes one wish someone had released a worthy Obusiers de 155mm Mle  1950 (M50) to start a conversion.
4. TOMAT M50 155mm: Part 2 – Cummings engine TOMAT – 133 photos (with a detailed walk around in the color section) cover this variant in detail over 59 pages.
5. MAPIK: Fire control vehicles – 10 pages with 24 photographs of halftracks and M113 variants used.

The appendices cover a glossary of terms and Sherman designations.  A bonus are three memorial photographs at the end.

Volume 2

Volume two had eight chapters and appendices.  They cover:

1. MACHMAT 160mm: Heavy mortar and color section – This first chapter’s fifty one pages cover the mortar and Its adaption with one hundred and seven photographs which include a detailed walkaround.
2. L33 Ro’EM: Thunderous and color section – My least favorite due to its ungainly looks, there are sixty five photograhs of this enclosed SPG over thirty three pages.
3. MAR240 and MAR290 Episcopi: rocket firing systems – One hundred eleven photographs cover the next fifty pages making me wish Trumpeter will release some of these rocket systems so I can adapt them to the Sherman kits in my stash.
4. KILSHON (aka Chachlilit): Strike/Sherman combination – A most interesting adaption of the AGM-45 Shrike air to ground anti-radar missile is covered with twenty two photographs over twelve pages.
5. MAPIK: Eyal OP Sherman – Seventeen pages with thirty three photos cover what we in the US call a Cherry Picker on a Sherman.  It was a lift used for observation over berms and other obstacles.
6. Medical Evacuation Tank : Ambutank – Thirty three photographs over seventeen pages covers the various versions of the abmutank with a color walkaround section included.
7. Driver Trainer: Lomed – 8 photographs over four pages cover this simple conversion.
8. Israeli M10: tank destroyer – Twenty nine photographs of the Israeli M10 although one wonders if they had their 3 inch guns replaced with 17 pounders making them into Achilles or if the M10 name is simply the British term.  Sixteen pages of photographs include a color walkaround with details.

As before, the appendices cover a glossary and Sherman designations and is followed with the same three memorial photographs.

If you’re looking to be inspired, these books are for you!  The photographs were all sharp and the captions detailed with sources quoted.  About the only thing missing are scale plans.  to end this review with good news, Sabot Publications will be carrying the Trackpads book in the US so one can save on the shipping.  Again, my thanks to Michael Shackleton and you can buy these books directly from Trackpad Publishing or Sabot Publications.