The latest title in Casemate’s Illustrated Special series is U.S. Army Signal Corps Vehicles 1941-45 by Didier Andres.

Chapters

1. Introduction
2. Evolution of the Model K
3. Radar Trucks
4. Radio Trucks
5. Multi-Purpose Vehicles
6. Specialized Vehicles
7. Specialized Trailers
8. Telephony
9. Special Cases
10. Sources

This hardbound book was of great interest to me, as my Great Uncle was with Co C, 4th Signal BN in WWII. This book follows a few others by this author on similar subjects which are also of interest to the modeler.

The book starts with a general introduction, and then goes into some detail about the “Model K” designation which was unique to the Signal Corps. Chapters follow on the different vehicles and equipment used by the Signal Corps during WWII. The text is well written and offers the reader some background into the different systems and equipment used. Interspersed throughout the book are tables which detail the systems used and individual specifications. The hundreds of period photos are all very clear and have reproduced very nicely in this book. There are even some color photos included.
The photo captions tell the story of each moment in time shown and allow the modeler to do some further research on locations and units.
The book ends with “Sources” section that the reader can use to do more detailed study on the subject. There are images here that I have not seen before, and some which are bound to get your creative juices flowing if you’re interested in building a few dioramas.

The back cover summary reads as follows:

“The Signal Corps was at the forefront of the technological development of communications throughout World War II. Tasked with coordinating all American military activities, the Signal Corps initially had to rely on a communications landline network covering some 1.3 million kilometers. This was soon overtaken by radio communications, however adaptation remained a priority within the U.S. Army Signal Corps – for when landline networks were unavailable or radio silence had to be observed.

Almost every large piece of Signal Corps equipment required wheeled transport, and over a hundred vehicles and trailers would be specially designed, many associated with one particular radio or radar installation.

This comprehensive and fully illustrated account describes in technical detail all of the vehicles needed to move, use, and maintain the commutations equipment vital to the success of the U.S. Army during World War II – including specialized vehicles such as telephone repair trucks, mobile telephone switchboards, and homing pigeon units. Packed with hundreds of period photos, diagrams, and schematics, this book is perfect for modelers working on realistic World War II dioramas.”

Conclusion

Recommended to anyone with an interest in WWII Signal Corps, Vehicle History, and especially the modeler looking for ideas that are outside of the ordinary. I found the book a nice mix of information packed with great photos. It was not too technical and was easy to read. If one chose to do so, you could do more in-depth research on a particular vehicle or system show.

Thank you to Casemate Publishing for the review sample.