Panzer Tracts No.16-1: Bergepanther

While researching Panzer Tracts No.16-1, the Panzer Tracts team made important discoveries.

The history of the Bergepanther was challenging to unravel: first, there was a lack of clarity in the original German documentation; second, the Allies were only interested in the vehicle equipped with the 40t winch and associated spade. Now, Panzer Tracts can reveal a much more complete story of the Bergepanther, which was essential to the functioning of Panther and Tiger units.

Besides the Ausf.A & G, they found three different versions converted from the turretless Pz.Kpfw.Panther chassis! Two were new vehicles, while the final one was rebuilt from a large number of Panther Ausf.D in a previously undocumented factory. Between 25% and 30% of all Bergepanthers were turretless Panther chassis.

Hundreds of hours were spent measuring surviving vehicles and drawing them at full scale to create accurate as-built drawings. This 78-page Panzer Tracts book is the ultimate primary source reference on the Bergepanther, with 21 pages of 1:35 scale drawings and 80 clear, large-format photos, many of which are seen for the first time.

Furthermore, this book can be considered the best reference for 1:35 scale Bergepanther model kits.

Book Data

Authors: Hilary Doyle, Lukas Friedli & Thomas Jentz
ISBN: 9781915969026
Language: English
Pages: 78
Photos: 80
Drawings: 21 pages of 1:35 scale drawings
Physical: Softcover, 280x215mm, portrait

Introduction
Development
Final Assembly
Significant Changes during Production
Organisation
Experience Reports
Production and Development Recap

Improvements

Reworked images for clarity and tonal quality
Two extra images
Refined layout
Table of Contents
Title on the spine
Perfect bound for durability

About the Authors

Hilary L Doyle
Author

Hilary initially trained as a civil engineering draughtsman with the Irish Railways, but later achieved Chartered Engineer status. In 1967, he became a pioneer of technical desktop computing in Ireland. From 1973, his professional career was in management in the computer industry, and he was awarded a Fellowship of the Irish Computer Society. Hilary lives with his wife near Dublin and has eight grandchildren.

Thomas L Jentz ✟
Author

Tom was from Indiana and spent a year at Purdue University before serving in an armoured unit of the US Army in Germany, later completing nuclear training with the Army. After returning to civilian life, he worked as a nuclear health physicist and consultant to the nuclear industry, living with his family near the US National Archives in Washington, DC. His interest in military history was shaped by stories from his Uncle Ed, who the Wehrmacht had captured in North Africa after an action in which 100 Sherman tanks were destroyed. Tom died in 2012.

Lukas Friedli
Author

Lukas Friedli is an attorney and former Swiss Leopard II tank gunner whose interest in armoured vehicles led to an acclaimed first book in 2005. He continued to deepen his research under the guidance of Thomas L. Jentz, building a reputation for careful study and precise analysis in the field.

Website Reviews

The Modelling News
MAFVA
Military Model Scene News
Panzer-Modell.de
Key Model World

Reference for these models:

ICM 35342 Bergepanther
Meng SS-015 Bergepanther Ausf.A Sd.Kfz.179
Takom 2102 Bergepanther Ausf.D Umbau Seibert 1945
Hobby Boss 84553 Sd.Kfz.179 Bergepanther Ausf.G