The Panzer 38 was probably one of the best designs for light tanks at the outbreak of World War II. It was originally designed by a Czech team, and the Germans took over production after the occupation of Czechoslovakia and pressed the tank into German service. They also extensively modified the basic chassis into many other armored fighting vehicles.

The book is profusely illustrated with b&w photos, plus a few color profiles. It covers the light tank versions A to G, plus other variants like the PanzerJager series (tank-hunters – the Sd.Kfz 138/M, 139, Grille H/M, and Marder), the Flakpanzer Sd.Kfz.140, several reconnaissance versions, an ammunition carrier version, a recovery vehicle, and even late war tank hunters like the Hetzer. There are brief sections describing the camouflage and markings and combat service of the different variants.

The pictures are likely to be of good use as references during your builds; however, this is not a walk-around book, but a book that covers the service history of a family of vehicles. Most shots are general views of each variant, with a good selection of interior images among those with open fighting compartments.

Of particular interest are several tables displaying the number of vehicles in service at different periods of the war, and even in foreign service (Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Slovakia), plus in the Czechoslovak army after 1945.

I got the hardbound copy of the book as my review sample and it is a high quality binding that I can tell will withstand the passage of time. I applaud Squadron for offering both hardbound and softbound versions for each title and letting the customer to choose which one to get.

Highly recommended to armor modelers and history aficionados.

I would like to thank Squadron and IPMS/USA for the review sample.