The New Vanguard series from Osprey Publishing is not so new anymore, but they continue to produce one quality publication after another. It seems that at one point they will run out of topics, but thankfully, they have not. The series’ most prolific author, armor expert Steven Zaloga has turned his attention to the T-26. As the subtitle of this book suggests, it was one of the most prolific tanks in the Soviet Army in the late inter-war era.

As with all New Vanguard titles, this is prolifically illustrated with photographs from the era as well as several color profiles of the T-26. Again, as with all New Vanguard titles, the centerpiece is a two page, full color cut away of the vehicle in question. Both Hobby Boss and Zvezda have 1/35 kits of the T-26, so this book might be helpful for those interested in modeling these vehicles, in particular the color profiles. As with most Soviet tanks, you can have it any color, as long as it’s green. At least these profiles offer some alternatives.

The T-26 was based on a design that was imported to the Soviet Union from Vickers-Armstrong in England. The chassis was adopted first with two turrets and then with one. The design went through several iterations and continued to be in production until the eve of the Second World War. Not only does he focus on production vehicles, but devotes text to other models, in particular flame throwers. In spite of its growing obsolescence, the vehicle remained in service in the Soviet Far East in the blitz through Manchuria in 1945 and captured vehicles in Finland for years after the war. Zaloga points out that in spite of the large numbers built, it was a fragile vehicle. Slipshod manufacturing effected the reliability of the vehicle throughout its service. A balky engine needed major service only after 200 hours of use and fragile tracks made the T-26 less than ideal in rough conditions. The vehicle served in the Spanish Civil War, effecting other changes such as the addition of composite armor, more reliable radios, and a protected radiator, making it less vulnerable to more sophisticated anti-tank weapons.

The Soviet Union was the only major power to standardize and mass produce a fleet of armored vehicles during the interwar period. Zalgoa paints a picture of a vehicle that for its time met modern Soviet requirements, but it was hopelessly obsolete by the time the Germans invaded Soviet Russia in June, 1941.

Vanguard continues its track record of producing high quality and useful publications, not only for the buff, but the serious historian as well. This is a nice addition for anyone interested in Soviet armor and is highly recommended.

My thanks to Osprey publications and IPMS for letting me review this book.