The review copy was provided by WarWheels sponsor Casemate Publishers.

Background

This review is of the new book released by Pen & Sword Books Ltd entitled, “Stryker Interim Combat Vehicle”, authored by David Grummitt.  The book is in English.

The intent of this book is to provide the serious scale modeller and military vehicle enthusiast with a detailed exterior reference covering the US Stryker and Canadian LAV III series of wheeled armored fighting vehicles (AFV).  This volume is one in a series from Pen & Sword Books Ltd covering tanks and other AFVs.  Their tank series is called “Tank Craft” and the other military vehicles are in the “Land Craft” category and all follow a similar format.  I must confess this volume, LandCraft 4, is the first of either series that I have received, and I am impressed with it and look forward to the others.

1.   Wheeled AFVs in US Service

2.   The Development of the Stryker

3.   The Stryker Brigade Combat Team

4.   Stryker Described Part 1

5.   Camouflage and Markings

6.   Model Showcase

7.   Modelling Products

8.   Stryker Described Part 2

9.   LAV III

10. NZLAV

11. Stryker at War

12. Further Reading

Photograph/Illustration Quality and Selection

The book contains over 200 color photographs of the real vehicles and some exceptional scale models.  The quality of the selected photographs is excellent and will give the modeller many ideas for dioramas and vehicle builds with an eye to the exterior details.

The 14 images of color vehicle marking plates are of actual unit vehicles belonging to current US, Canadian and New Zealand units.

Book Quality

This edition is in the standard European softback format of 8” x 11.5” per the others in this series.

Contents

I find the book is divided into three main sections.  The first part of the book gives the reader a concise history of the Stryker/LAV family and focuses primarily on the US Army usage (by far the largest user), organization and employment.  Although termed an “Interim Combat Vehicle” the Stryker/LAV family of AFVs will be with us for some time.  The 14 color plates are excellent and will furnish the modeller with many suggestions for builds and enhancements for their models.

The second identified part deals with excellent model builds of several of the variants of the family.  The models highlighted include: Canadian LAV III, M1132 Stryker ESV, M1134 Stryker ATGMV, M1128 Mobile Gun System, M1296 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle Dragoon, and the M1126 Stryker CROWS-J.  The actual models are followed by a discussion of the major manufacturers in both 1:35 and 1:72 scale citing the pros and cons of each.  An interesting and even-handed discussion.  The aftermarket enhancements for the various kits are thoroughly explored as well, everything from photoetch to weighted wheels and equipment stowage from various manufacturers.

The third and final section of the book delves back into the major variants of the Stryker family with informative text supported by a host of excellent photographs.  There is also a worldwide roundup of the various major users of this versatile vehicle as well as a brief discussion of the US Stryker at war in Afghanistan and Iraq.  I was incredibly pleased with the inclusion of a Further Reading listing which appears to cover most publications about this important vehicle.

Conclusion

This is an excellent addition to any library whether it belongs to an historian or a builder of military miniatures.  This volume is highly recommended without reservation.

Recommendation: “A Must Have”