by Stephen Tunbridge

I hadn't realized, until I just checked, how long it has been since I reviewed a volume in Squadron/Signal Publication's "Armor in Action" series. The last time was Vol. 16, Sherman in Action, reviewed away back in issue number 82. Previous volumes were reviewed in issues 78, 77, 75, 71, 68 and 64. The subject of the present review is Volume 17. The physical format is the same as its predecessors: 50 pages, plus covers, 8" high by 11" wide, with full color paintings of the subject on the front and back covers and the center spread. The purpose of each volume is to provide authentic illustrations and action photos of the subject vehicle for modelers, historians and armor buffs. Vol. 17 does this very well.

This is only the second volume in the series to deal with a post-WWII vehicle (the previous one covered the British Centurian tank). In case you don't recognize the subject, the M113 is the current, standard American armored personnel carrier, and as such saw extensive service in Vietnam and with the Israelis in the 1973 war. Also covered are numerous specialized, foreign and experimental vehicles based on the M113 chassis. Four-view scale drawings of many of these are provided. The long and detailed captions and fair amount of text explain the development and permutation of the M113. As usual, the photos and art work (by Don Greer and Rob Stern) are excellent. The price, despite inflation, holds at $3.95. It should be available from better hobby shops.

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