By purchasing through the links, you support this site at no extra cost to you. Learn more >
Explore the best illustrated books on German half-tracks. Discover the history, models and evolution of half-tracks from Germany.
Half-tracks - Germany: Illustrated History Books & Guides | Quick Select
The Sd.Kfz.8 and Sd.Kfz.9 heavy prime movers of the Wehrmacht on a variety of war fronts.
| Author: | Reinhard Frank |
|---|---|
| Details: | 48 pages, 12 x 11 x 0.16 in (30.5 x 28 x 0.4 cm), paperback |
| Illustrations: | over 100 b&w photos |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | Schiffer Publishing Ltd (USA, 2004) |
| ISBN: | 9780764301674 |
German Heavy Half-Tracked Prime Movers
Language: English
A highly accessible overview of the history of fhe half-tracks and armoured wheeled vehicles with technical data, facts and pictures as used by German Wehrmacht in WW2.
| Author: | Alexander Ludeke |
|---|---|
| Details: | 128 pages, 9.25 x 6.1 in (23.5 x 15.5 cm), paperback |
| Illustrations: | 97 b&w and 60 color photos |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | Pen & Sword Books Ltd (GB, 2015) |
| Series: | Fact File |
| ISBN: | 9781473824003 |
German Half-Tracks and Wheeled Vehicles 1939-1945
Language: English
Volume on German halftracked vehicles from 1909-1945. Spielberger, a leading expert in the field of German military vehicles, presents the wide variety of halftracked types and their wide range of uses in this richly illustrated technical documentation. Types include the WWII era Sd.Kfz.7, Sd.Kfz.250, Sd.Kfz.251, and many others from a wide variety of manufacturers.
| Author: | Walter J. Spielberger |
|---|---|
| Details: | 176 pages, 11.4 x 8.9 x 0.87 in (29 x 22.5 x 2.2 cm), hardback |
| Illustrations: | many b&w photos and drawings |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | Schiffer Publishing Ltd (USA, 2008) |
| ISBN: | 9780764329425 |
Halftracked Vehicles of the German Army 1909-1945 (Spielberger)
Language: English
This photo-album in the "Camera On" series contains over 100 photographs of the Sd.Kfz. 10/4 and 10/5 Selbstfahrlafette (self-propelled gun carriage).
The Selbstfahrlafette (Sd.Kfz. 10/4) für 2cm Flak 30 and the Selbstfahrlafette (Sd. Kfz. 10/5) für 2cm Flak 38 were self-propelled Flak halftracks based on the Sd.Kfz 10 one-ton vehicle. In firing mode, the vehicle had hinged side walls that opened up to enlarge the firing platform at the back and to both sides. Except for armoured shield often fitted to the AA gun these vehicles were unarmoured.
| Author: | Alan Ranger |
|---|---|
| Details: | 80 pages, 11.6 x 8.25 in (29.5 x 21 cm), paperback |
| Illustrations: | 100 b&w photos |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | MMP Books (PL, 2018) |
| Series: | Camera On (8) |
| ISBN: | 9788365281852 |
Sd.Kfz 10/4 & 10/5 Selbstfahrlafette
Language: English
During WWII, the German armed forces were by far the greatest user of half-track vehicles. Such vehicles were used in the Wehrmacht, Luftwaffe and Waffen-SS, where they served as personnel carriers, tractors, combat engineering vehicles, as well as self-propelled carriages for anti-aircraft guns.
The Sd.Kfz. 8 Schwerer Zugkraftwagen 12t - (heavy 12 ton half-track vehicle) - was a German half-track that saw widespread use in the war. Its main roles were as a prime mover for heavy towed guns such as the 21 cm Mörser 18, the 15 cm Kanone 18 and the 10.5 cm FlaK 38.
The Sd.Kfz. 9 Schwerer Zugkraftwagen 18t - (heavy 18 ton half-track vehicle) - was the Germans' heaviest half-track vehicle of any type built during the war years. Its main roles were as a prime mover for very heavy towed guns such as the 24 cm Kanone 3 and as a tank recovery vehicle.
This photo-album in the "Camera On" series contains over 100 photographs.
| Author: | Alan Ranger |
|---|---|
| Details: | 72 pages, 11.6 x 8.25 in (29.5 x 21 cm), paperback |
| Illustrations: | 100 b&w photos |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | MMP Books (PL, 2018) |
| Series: | Camera On (11) |
| ISBN: | 9788365281883 |
Sd.Kfz. 8 & Sd.Kfz. 9 Schwerer Zugkraftwagen (12t & 18t)
Language: English
This book offers numerous photographs and detailed text concerning the NSU Kettenkrad (Sd.Kfz. 2, Type HK-101).
| Author: | Friehelm Abel |
|---|---|
| Details: | 48 pages, 8.25 x 10.25 x 0.16 in (21 x 26 x 0.4 cm), paperback |
| Illustrations: | b&w photos, drawings |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | Schiffer Publishing Ltd (USA, 2004) |
| ISBN: | 9780887403156 |
The Kettenkrad - Sd.Kfz. 2, Type HK-101
Language: English
Covers all of the light half-tacked prime movers used by Germany during WWII.
| Author: | Frank Reinhard |
|---|---|
| Details: | 48 pages, 11 x 8.5 x 0.16 in (28 x 21.5 x 0.4 cm), paperback |
| Illustrations: | over 100 b&w photos, drawings |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | Schiffer Publishing Ltd (USA, 2004) |
| ISBN: | 9780764302626 |
German Light Half-Tracked Prime Movers 1934-1945
Language: English
Covers all of the medium half-tracked prime movers used by German forces during WWII.
| Author: | Frank Reinhard |
|---|---|
| Details: | 48 pages, 10 x 8.5 x 0.12 in (25.5 x 21.5 x 0.3 cm), paperback |
| Illustrations: | over 100 b&w photos, drawings |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | Schiffer Publishing Ltd (USA, 2004) |
| ISBN: | 9780764302633 |
German Medium Half-Tracked Prime Movers 1934-1945
Language: English
With the development of the German Panzerwaffe, military planners realized both the enormous potential of the tank as a breakthrough weapon, but also the issues faced by support units following the attacking force - including the infantry. A tank assault moved rapidly forwards and this required a motorized infantry which could keep pace with the attack and provide all necessary support.
This motorized infantry element for a Panzer division was an integral Schützenbrigade (rifle brigade), and it was equipped with a suitable means of transport - the Schützenpanzerwagen (armoured personnel carrier).
During Operation Barbarossa, German forces were faced by the Red Army and unforeseen weather conditions. With the onset of the harsh Russian winter the operation failed, and the war in the east entered a new phase. From experience gained from the operation, a new arm of the military was created: the Panzergrenadier.
This groundbreaking book describes the development and evolution of the armoured infantry force that accompanied the German Panzers as they crossed the battlefields of Europe, as well as detailing the vehicles and equipment that were developed to support their specialized role.
Contents
Introduction
1. 1936 - A New Infantry
2. The Schützenpanzerwagen
3. 1939 - Poland
4. 1940 - France
5. 1941 - New Challenges
6. 1941 - Variants
7. 1942 - Armoured Infantry
8. 1943 - In Combat
9. 1944 - Defending the Reich
10. Weaponry
Index.
| Author: | Thomas Anderson |
|---|---|
| Details: | 304 pages, 9.8 x 7.7 x 1.06 in (25 x 19.5 x 2.7 cm), hardback |
| Illustrations: | extensively illustrated |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | Osprey Publishing (GB, 2021) |
| ISBN: | 9781472841797 |
The SdKfz 251 half-track was among the most versatile armoured vehicles of the Second World War. Designed by Hannoversche Maschinenbau AG (Hanomag), more than 15.000 were built in twenty-three variants. These covered roles such as troop carrier, command vehicle, rocket launcher, armoured ambulance, and bridge-layer.
In the first volume of the LandCraft series, Dennis Oliver focuses on SdKfz 251 versions armed with the 7.5 cm gun, first used for infantry support and reconnaissance, and later adapted as tank destroyers as Germany sought to mount anti-tank weapons on as many vehicles as possible.
Using official records and unit histories, the author studies the formations that operated these vehicles. Archive photographs and carefully researched colour artwork explain markings, camouflage, and technical features of the SdKfz 251/9 and 251/22 used on the Western and Eastern Fronts in the final months of the war.
A dedicated section reviews available model kits and aftermarket parts, supported by a gallery of high-quality models in different scales. Technical data and field modifications are also covered, giving modellers the information needed to build accurate replicas.
| Author: | Dennis Oliver |
|---|---|
| Details: | 64 pages, 12 x 8.5 x 0.24 in (30.5 x 21.5 x 0.6 cm), paperback |
| Illustrations: | 200 b&w and color photos |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | Pen & Sword Books Ltd (GB, 2021) |
| Series: | Land Craft |
| ISBN: | 9781526791146 |
Sd.Kfz. 251 - 251/9 and 251/22 Kanonenwagen : German Army and Waffen-SS Western and Eastern Fronts, 1944-1945
Language: English
This photo-album in the Camera On series contains over 140 photographs of the Sd.Kfz. 10 Leichter Zugkraftwagen 1.t.
The Sd.Kfz. 10 was developed as a towing vehicle for light loads like the 37mm Pak 36/37, the 2cm Flak 30/38 and the Heavy Infantry howitzer Sigg 33 plus a myriad of trailers types such as the Sd. Anh. 32.
Later, it was used as a towing vehicle for the 5cm Pak 38 and different Nebelwerfer (rocket launchers).
As the war progressed and the German army had less and less equipment to utilize, the Sd.Kfz 10 was often to be seen towing loads way beyond its designed weight class for the lack of other suitable vehicles.
Camera On is a new series of books on the equipment and operations of the German Wehrmacht in WW2. The focus is on the often ignored or overlooked soft-skinned, non-armoured, vehicles used by the German army.
This profusely illustrated photo-album includes a large number of previously unseen pictures, many from private sources in Germany. Whatever the rules might have said, German soldiers took many photographs, and these are the basis for this series!
| Author: | Alan Ranger |
|---|---|
| Details: | 80 pages, 11.8 x 8.25 x 0.47 in (30 x 21 x 1.2 cm), paperback |
| Illustrations: | 140+ b&w photos |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | MMP Books (PL, 2017) |
| Series: | Camera On |
| ISBN: | 9788365281746 |
Sd.Kfz.10 Leichter Zugkraftwagen 1t
Language: English
During WW2, the German armed forces were the greatest user of half-track vehicles. Such vehicles were used in the Wehrmacht, Luftwaffe and Waffen-SS, where they served as personnel carriers, tractors, combat engineering vehicles, as well as self-propelled carriages for anti-aircraft and anti-tank guns.
One of them was the Sd.Kfz. 6 Mittlerer Zugkraftwagen 5 t. It was designed to be used as the main towing vehicle for the 10.5 cm le.FH 18 howitzer.
This book presents a collection of photographs of different versions from the private archives of German soldiers. The photographs depict vehicles serving on all fronts in a variety of roles.
This profusely illustrated photo-album from the "Camera On" series includes a large number of previously unseen pictures, many from private sources in Germany. Whatever the rules might have said, German soldiers took many photographs.
| Author: | Alan Ranger |
|---|---|
| Details: | 80 pages, 11.6 x 8.25 in (29.5 x 21 cm), paperback |
| Illustrations: | many b&w photos |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | MMP Books (PL, 2017) |
| Series: | Camera On (1) |
| ISBN: | 9788365281708 |
Sd.Kfz.6 Mittlerer Zugkraftwagen 5t
Language: English
During WW2, the German armed forces were the greatest user of half-track vehicles. Such vehicles were used in the Wehrmacht, Luftwaffe and Waffen-SS, where they served as personnel carriers, tractors, combat engineering vehicles, as well as self-propelled carriages for anti-aircraft and anti-tank guns. Sd.
Kfz. 7, Mittlerer Zugkraftwagen 8t (middle half-track vehicle 8 tons) was designed in 1932 by Krauss Maffei and by 1937, the ultimate Km m 11 model was introduced. Approximately 13,600 units were produced until production ceased in 1945, including about 200 built under license by Breda in Italy and even a version by Vauxhall in the UK.
Camera On: a new series of books on the equipment and operations of the German Wehrmacht in WW2. The focus is on the often ignored or overlooked soft-skinned, non-armoured, vehicles used by the German army. This profusely illustrated photo-album includes a large number of previously unseen pictures, many from private sources in Germany.
Whatever the rules might have said, German soldiers took many photographs, and these are the basis for this new series!
"Camera On" is a new series of books on the equipment and operations of the German Wehrmacht in WW2. The focus is on the often ignored or overlooked soft-skinned, non-armoured, vehicles used by the German army. This profusely illustrated photo-album includes a large number of previously unseen pictures, many from private sources in Germany.
Whatever the rules might have said, German soldiers took many photographs, and these are the basis for this new series.
| Author: | Alan Ranger |
|---|---|
| Details: | 80 pages, 11.8 x 8.25 x 0.31 in (30 x 21 x 0.8 cm), paperback |
| Illustrations: | many b&w photos |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | MMP Books (PL, 2017) |
| Series: | Camera On (2) |
| ISBN: | 9788365281715 |
Sd.Kfz.7 Mittlerer Zugkraftwagen 8t
Language: English
Following in the best traditions of German ingenuity in design and construction of armoured vehicles, the SdKfz 251 firmly realised the concept of a competent cross-country tactical vehicle for armoured infantry units. So successful was this half-track that not only did a modified version of it remain in use with Czech forces well into the 1980s but also, ironically, the armoured infantry tactics that the Germans pioneered with it were adopted by Allied forces in the Second World War and helped them to achieve the eventual defeat of Germany.
This book covers the genesis and development of the SdKfz 251, and details the numerous modifications and variations that sprang from combat experience.
Contents: Design and Development - Variants - Training and Organisation - Tactics: Assault - Tactics: Defence - Serviceability.
| Author: | Bruce Culver |
|---|---|
| Details: | 48 pages, 9.7 x 7.3 x 0.2 in (24.5 x 18.5 x 0.5 cm), paperback |
| Illustrations: | photos and drawings (in b&w and color) |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | Osprey Publishing (GB, 1998) |
| Series: | New Vanguard (25) |
| ISBN: | 9781855328464 |
Half-track vehicles became necessary because the normal wheeled vehicles with which the German grenadier units were motorized were unable to cope with difficult terrain. Therefore, a whole range of half-track tractors was developed and built before the war.
In this volume, the team of authors documents every development step of these all-terrain vehicles and presents them and their inner workings with many informative photos. This book complements the successful Spielberger volumes.
Pages of the book "Halbkettenfahrzeuge des deutschen Heeres"
| Author: | Walter Spielberger, Hilary Doyle, Thomas Jentz |
|---|---|
| Details: | 172 pages, 10.4 x 9.1 in (26.5 x 23 cm), hardback |
| Illustrations: | 423 b&w photos and 58 drawings |
| Language: | German |
| Publisher: | Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2012) |
| Series: | Spielberger |
| ISBN: | 9783613029958 |
Halbkettenfahrzeuge des deutschen Heeres
Language: German
This volume documents the development of the Wehrmacht's half-track tractors. The most important half-track vehicles are represented, from the light one- and three-tonners to the medium-sized five- to eight-tonners and the heavy twelve- and eighteen-tonners.
Lots of technical data. Detailed sectional drawings. Over 100 historical photos, including many rare archive images.
| Author: | Reinhard Frank |
|---|---|
| Details: | 144 pages, 9.7 x 7.1 in (24.5 x 18 cm), hardback |
| Illustrations: | 100+ b&w and color photos |
| Language: | German |
| Publisher: | Dörfler Verlag GmbH (D, 2002) |
| ISBN: | 9783895550508 |
German Armored Trains 1904-1945 - Technical, Organization, Operations
Wolfgang Sawodny | English | hardback | 428 p. | 2010
German Armored Trains on the Russian Front 1941-1944
Wolfgang Sawodny | English | paperback | 48 p. | 2004
Reich Rails: Royal Prussia, Imperial Germany And The First World War 1825-1918
Blaine Taylor | English | paperback | 224 p. | 2016
