M1 Abrams

by David Grummitt

Published 4 November 2019
Since its introduction in 1981, at the height of the Cold War, the Abrams main battle tank has been one of the most visible and iconic symbols of American military power, and it is the fascinating subject of this heavily illustrated historical and modelling guide in the TankCraft series by David Grummitt.

Designed to meet head-on the massed tank forces of the Warsaw Pact, its combat debut in fact came in a different scenario in 1991 during the First Gulf War. Since then it has served in the peace-keeping role in the former Yugoslavia and seen combat in Iraq, Afghanistan and Yemen. It has gone through a series of modifications and modernizations that see it set to remain the backbone of the US Army until at least 2050.

As well as charting the development and combat history of the vehicle, the book is illustrated throughout with colour photos and specially commissioned colour profiles. Five different models, covering the service history of the Abrams, are featured, as is modeller's guide to the existing kits and accessories in the all the popular scales.

Leopard 2

by David Grummitt

Published 18 August 2020
When the Leopard 2, a third-generation main battle tank, first entered service with the Bundeswehr in 1979, at the height of the Cold War, it was indisputably the most advanced and potent tank in the world. During the last four decades it has undergone numerous upgrades and modifications to ensure it remains one of the most powerful tanks operating today. It currently serves with the armies of seventeen nations, from Canada to Turkey and including many European states.

The Leopard 2 is also a popular subject for modellers which is why David Grummitt's highly illustrated expert guide is so valuable. As well as describing in detail the Leopard 2's design, development and combat history, he gives a full account of the wide range of modelling kits and accessories available in all the popular scales. Included is a modelling gallery, which features six builds covering a range of Leopard 2s serving with different nations and a section of large-scale colour profiles which provide both reference and inspiration for modellers and military enthusiasts alike.