Spanish Civil War AFV enthusiasts will know of Javier de Mazarrasa's book 'Blindados en Espana', and some may even have been fortunate to have obtained a copy of this valuable but elusive volume. The publishers, Quiron Ediciones, have released a second book on a related subject, entitled 'Carros de Combate Trubia 1925-39' and written by Artemio Mortera Perez. Its title notwithstanding, this book actually covers all tracked AFVs produced in Spain before the Verdeja.

The book is a mixture of text, black & white photos and plans, together with a few colour side elevations of the Trubia Naval. A number of subjects are covered, including the Renault FT 17 in Spanish service before 1936, the Trubia Serie A (produced in the 1920's) and later Trubia-Naval light tanks, the Landesa tractor (including an unknown - to me - armoured variant) and the Tipo 37 light tank prototype. Most of the photos show vehicles in construction or in the factory - relatively few are campaign photos, probably because these tanks were produced in such small numbers. Production of the Trubia-Naval (also known as the Trubia M36) did run to some 20 tanks, and more campaign shots of these vehicles do appear.

The book is produced to a high standard and is in a large format. The text is, obviously, in Spanish so a dexterity with the language will help. The book's vital statistics are as follows: some 70 pages in A4 format, including around 80 photos and illustrations. The subject matter is very specialist and the book will probably have only a limited appeal, but it is the best reference on this series of tanks. I obtained my copy direct from Javier de Mazarrasa - the price was 2000 Ptas plua P & P. He can also supply copies of 'Blindados en Espana' Volumes 1 & 2 (the latter is a new book covering the period 1939-60) and his older book on the Verdeja. I will print Javier's address in a later volume if/when I have received his permission to release it.

More Reviews

Carros de Combate Trubia 1925-1939 (book)
Fighting Americans (two books)
Libertarias (film)
Models and Flags
Spanish Civil War (video)
Legion Condor (book)
Andre Malreux (book)
Two Films (films)
Video and Book Reviews