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Book Review
Stryker In Detail Part Two
Stryker In Detail U.S. Stryker Interim Armored Vehicle Family Part Two
  • stryker_in_detail

by: Charles King [ TI ]

Introduction
Boy! I was ecstatic when I got this book in the mail the other day. I would like to give a big thank you to Miloslav Hraban of Real Models, for sending me this book. The front cover gave way to one of the variants I had modeled…the ATGM. If I had this book back when I scratch built my ATGM it would have made building a little easier. But seeing the pictures now, it proves to me the accuracy that I had achieved with the ATGM that I had built. Color pictures galore in all its primal glory.
After having bought the first part of this title I knew at once I was in for a real treat. As a reminder, the first book, 'Stryker in detail…Part One', referred to the following models:

•M1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle
•M1126 ICV with MK19 Grenade Launcher
•M1127 Stryker Reconnaissance Vehicle
•M1130 Stryker Command Vehicle
•M1130 Stryker Command Vehicle Tactical Air Control Party
•M1132 Stryker Engineer Squad Vehicle
•M1132 Stryker ESV Light Weight Mine Roller
•M1132 Stryker ESV with Mine Plow

Truly a great collection of Stryker variants. Now, equally satisfying, is the second edition to complete the rest of the Stryker family...Part Two. Let us check it out.
Content
These great collections of subject matters will satisfy even the most particular of modelers. Now…it’s time for the next group of Stryker entourage to be introduce. The book contents are split up into 12 sections. They are as follows:

•M1129 Stryker Mortar Carrier Version A - B pages 13 - 45
•M1131 Stryker Fire Support Vehicle pages 46 -79
•M1133 Stryker Medical Evacuation Vehicle pages 80 -105
•M1134 Stryker Anti-Tank Guided Missile Vehicle pages 106 -135
•M1135 Stryker NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle pages 136 - 153
•M1134 Stryker ATGM Prepared for SLAT pages 154 -159
•Exterior Details pages 160 -170
•Driver’s Compartment 172 -173
•M151E2 Remote Weapon Station Upgrades pages 174 -179
•Engine Details pages 180 -185
•Stryker Soldiers pages 186 -188
•Stryker OIF Wrecks Pages 189 -191

Opening the book you will be introduced to a 5 page introduction to how each vehicle are applied to a brigade, company or platoon according to how they are organized. The info is kept short but concise…enough for the reader to get an idea of how the system works. Info is good for modelers but too much can turn into a military ranting which most tend to ignore. As you can see, there are quite many sections due to the many variations or combination that these variants provide. Each section provides a relative amount of information relevant to the vehicle in focus. All pictures are well detailed and clear, which is definitely one of the reasons for buying this book. All angles are taken into consideration which is a huge plus for modelers and enthusiast alike.

One aspect of this book that were present in part one is the inclusion of Strykers' with the slat armor. There are many pictures provided from all angles. This is definitely something that would be advantageous to modelers. Not only is slat armor detailed but most all areas of the hull, as well as interior shots of the various variants included in this book. Another photo topic I’m glad they included is the engine and its compartments. I am working on the engine for my ESV and the pictures provided are just darn right perfect. The ability of the photographer to take as many photos from different angles of the many various Strykers' is a testament that he knows exactly what the modeler wants to see. This I appreciate immensely. There are also descriptive explanations as well as vehicle data contents of certain variants that will be of some use to some modelers.
Conclusion
With the release of Trumpeter and AFV Club Stryker kits, this is almost a must for all who buy the Stryker kits. This book is a fantastic addiction to those who want accurate detail for present Stryker vehicles. The close up pictures makes this book golden. No more squinting eyes, just beautiful clear photos of your favorite vehicle. If you’ve purchased Part One then it is no contest. You definitely have to get this book.
I give this book a clear 10 for all Stryker fans. Yes, it is a MUST have publication even if you’re not a modeler but an enthusiast of the military vehicle arsenal. It will do justice among your collection of many military books. WWP has provided something many will cherish for a long time to come. I’m a modern armor fan and this will definitely give many their money’s worth. GO BUY IT!
SUMMARY
Highs: Those who want an accurate representation of one of the various Strikers’ in operation today, for scratch building purposes using AFV Club's kit; will do no wrong with the purchase of this book. The detail pictures are exceptional.
Lows: Personally? None.
Verdict: This book is a MUST have publication even if you’re not a modeler but an enthusiast of the military vehicle arsenal.
Percentage Rating
99%
  Scale: N/A
  Mfg. ID: ISBN 978-80-86416-68-7
  Suggested Retail: Euros 29.99
  PUBLISHED: Apr 12, 2008
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 96.33%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 93.24%

About Charles King (ti)
FROM: DALARNAS, SWEDEN

Charles King hails from Sweden. He has been interested in modeling since he was 12; though there was other interest that took priority at the time, he would eventually fall into the modeling soon enough. Not until recent,in 2002 that his interest was rekindled. While browsing the Internet, he ca...

Copyright ©2021 text by Charles King [ TI ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Hello All, Thanks for posting the review. I didn't even realize these existed. More money for the reasearch shelves.. On the other hand, if your going to build one check out the Stryker/LAVIII thread on the campaign forums. Tanks Andy
APR 12, 2008 - 06:30 AM
Dear Charles, I am very glad you like my new book about the Stryker IAV. I wrote this book especially for my friends serving with the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment based in Vilseck, Germany, who are currently deployed in order to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Therefore the final page in the book is the most important for me as a lot of comrades already gave the ultimate sacrifice downrange since 2 SCR has been deloyed in August 2007. Besides the modelling we should never forget why these soldiers are sent to war and for whom they do this task. Kind regards from Munich Ralph Zwilling
APR 12, 2008 - 09:22 AM
Ralph, it's an honor to meet the author. Again, darn fine job and a true soldier at heart. Thank you for the time you took to put this book together.
APR 12, 2008 - 05:09 PM
Dear Charles, please stay tuned with WWP as we are planning some more publications about modern U.S. Army and German Bundeswehr equipment up to the end of this year. Feel also free to take a look on my website LINK Within the next days I will upload some photo galleries about the new Axor 1829 A truck and the Leopard 2A6 in action. Viele Grüße Ralph
APR 12, 2008 - 10:09 PM
Did not know you had your own website...sweet. Thank you for the info. will do Ralph.
APR 12, 2008 - 11:48 PM
great to hear. Will be looking forward to that volume.
APR 13, 2008 - 11:07 AM
http://www.tank-masters.de
APR 13, 2008 - 12:01 PM
Thanks for the link Jim.
APR 13, 2008 - 05:52 PM
I will be buying this book. Good review ti.
SEP 28, 2008 - 11:15 PM
   
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