Squadron Signal has produced another of their walk around publications that features a detailed look at a piece of military equipment, in this case the M26 Dragon Wagon. Recently, Squadron has begun to produce a softback and hardback edition of these works; this happens to be the softback version. A review of the hardback version can also be found on this website.

The book features two vehicles, an M26 paired with the M15 tank recovery trailer and the M26A1 paired with the M15A2 trailer. As the photographs illustrate, the chief difference between the two versions is the cab. As battlefield recovery appeared to be less likely, the massive armored cab was replaced with a sheet metal version during the production run. The cover, featuring an illustration by Don Greer of a M26 hauling a Panther, draws you in to the meat of the book. The author has taken dozens of photographs of both tractors but features only color photographs of the M15A2 trailer; the M15 is featured with black and white photographs from the war. The photographs are all crisp, printed on glossy paper. There are no profiles of the other vehicles featured.

As one has come to expect from the Walk Around series, there is a very brief historical overview of US tank retrievers, followed by the body of the book that includes color photographs that feature the details of the chassis, running gear, winches, ancillary equipment, and interior of the M26 tractor. The book doesn’t skimp on the M26A1. The coverage is just as thorough, with the added bonus of a restored M15A2 trailer to boot. I am assuming, since the vehicles highlighted in the book are restored, they may be missing some details and equipment contemporary to World War Two but, given that, they still provide an excellent peek at the nuts and bolts of these well known vehicles.

For anyone with the 1/35 Tamiya or 1/72 Academy M26 in their stash and for those who suffer Advanced Modeling Syndrome, the detail featured in this walk around is welcome. I know that I am going to use it when I get around to the M26 in my stash. My thanks go to Squadron/Signal Publications and to IPMS/USA for providing the opportunity to review this publication.