Tanks and Vehicles

This volume traces the development of the best-known fire-fighting apparatus, the pumper fire engine. It covers the history of these vehicles from the 19th Century to the fire trucks of the 21st Century.

With hundreds of unique and dramatic photos, this volume features fire trucks equipped with aerial ladders, elevating platforms, ladder platforms, and special water towers. The book illustrates the evolution of the vital hook-and-ladder trucks that are an integral part of fire departments throughout the US.

The Allies launched their massive invasion of German-occupied Europe in June 1944. This book covers opposing commanders and forces, the initial battle for air supremacy, the Allied amphibious landings, key combat vehicles and portable weapons, as well as many lesser-known details of the campaign.

The US Army Quartermaster Corps adoption of the Diamond T Motor Company's 4-ton 6x6 truck became so successful that it later inspired the Army's post-WWII M-series trucks, which were used for 50 years.

Introduced in 1917, the Renault FT-17 and its US-built copy, the M1917, revolutionized WWI tank design. This volume presents a careful study of the details and variations of these innovative French armored vehicles.

Seeking to revolutionize its tactical vehicle fleet, the US Army developed the Gama Goat, an all-wheel-drive, engineering marvel with steerable axles and a flexible two-part body. This book chronicles the design, development, testing, and field use of these iconic US Cold War vehicles.

Seeking to revolutionize its tactical vehicle fleet, the US Army developed the Gama Goat, an all-wheel-drive, engineering marvel with steerable axles and a flexible two-part body. This book chronicles the design, development, testing, and field use of these iconic US Cold War vehicles.

The Italian Army began mounting anti-aircraft weapons on truck chassis during WWI, giving birth to the versatle autocannone artillery - a mounted, all-purpose, weapon concept later employed by all other WWII combatants.

More than 2,800 Jagdpanzer 38 Hetzers were built during WWII, far more than any other German tank destroyer. This volume features many detailed photos of early and late-model Hetzer variants, as well as the first-ever published wartime photos of the vehicle's interior.

More than 2,800 Jagdpanzer 38 Hetzers were built during WWII, far more than any other German tank destroyer. This volume features many detailed photos of early and late-model Hetzer variants, as well as the first-ever published wartime photos of the vehicle's interior.

The German Krupp K5(E) 280mm heavy railway gun was one of the most effective artillery weapons developed during WWII. Boasting a 40-mile range, these massive guns were deployed on the Russian Front, in Italy, and as part of Hitler's Channel Coast defences.

This volume covers in detail the development, production, and combat career of the LVT(4) which saw extensive action in the Pacific and Rhine Crossing.

Introduced in the early 1960s, the M108/109 fully-enclosed, self-propelled artillery saw service in Vietnam. Upgraded in the mid-1980s, the M109 incorporated an enlarged turret, improved armor, increased ammo stowage, NBC protection, and a microclimate system to support crew efficiency.

The M113 is one of the most successful series of armored personnel carriers of all time. Produced in huge numbers, these redoutable armored tracks have served US and Allied forces from the early 1960s into the 21st Century.

Buick's lightly armored M18 Hellcat could top 55 mph, making it the fastest armored fighting vehicle deployed in WWII. US crews used the Hellcat's speed and high-velocity 76mm cannon to engage and destroy opposing German tanks. This volume details the Hellcat's engine, drivetrain, crew compartments, and weapon systems.

The M19 Heavy Tank Transporter, a truck and trailer combination, saw widespread use during WWII and into the Cold War years. This book explores the development, use, and details of these famous wartime workhorses.

The M19 Heavy Tank Transporter, a truck and trailer combination, saw widespread use during WWII and into the Cold War years. This book explores the development, use, and details of these famous wartime workhorses.

The US-built M24 Chaffee tank was developed to counter better armed WWII German tanks. Designed around a 75mm main gun, the Chaffee tank packed a heavier punch, a lower profile, and a smoother ride than any of its WWII competitors. Chaffee tanks served well into the 1970s.

The 40-ton Tank Transporter Truck Trailer M25, dubbed the "Dragon Wagon", was the largest wheeled vehicle fielded by the US Army during WWII. These veteran trailers saw service during the Vietnam War and into the 1970s. This volume examines both the armored and soft-skin versions of these massive vehicles.

The 40-ton Tank Transporter Truck Trailer M25, dubbed the "Dragon Wagon", was the largest wheeled vehicle fielded by the US Army during WWII. These veteran trailers saw service during the Vietnam War and into the 1970s. This volume examines both the armored and soft-skin versions of these massive vehicles.

The US Army's M3 Gun Motor Carriage was engineered to be a self-propelled anti-tank gun, melding the venerable 75mm cannon with a halftrack chassis. These unique WWII self-propelled guns served both in the European and Pacific theaters.

The US Army's M3 Gun Motor Carriage was engineered to be a self-propelled anti-tank gun, melding the venerable 75mm cannon with a halftrack chassis. These unique WWII self-propelled guns served both in the European and Pacific theaters.

Produced by the White Motor Company, the four-wheel-drive M3A1 Scout Car served the US military as an armored scout, command car, ambulance, and gun tractor. Widely exported during WWII, the M3A1 was used by the Soviet Army, as well as by Free French, Belgian, Czech, and Polish forces.

As the standard US light tank during the Cold War years, the M41 Bulldog was developed as a successor to the M24 Chaffee. Rugged and maneuverable, the Bulldog served with more than 20 other countries and continues to operate with several armies around the world.

As the standard US light tank during the Cold War years, the M41 Bulldog was developed as a successor to the M24 Chaffee. Rugged and maneuverable, the Bulldog served with more than 20 other countries and continues to operate with several armies around the world.

Developed during the early Cold War years, the armored M42 Duster anti-aircraft gun was a fair weather shooter for low and slow targets. Later deployed to Vietnam, M42s served as convoy escorts, perimeter and base security, and direct-fire support weapons.

Just as the Sherman tank was the quintessential American tank in WWII, the M48A3 Patton tank was the most prominent US battle tank during the Vietnam War years of the 1960s and 1970s.

The US Army's M5 Stuart Light Tank was a much-upgraded version of the original M3 Stuart. With a speed of 45 mph, upgraded armor and firepower, the new M5A1 proved to be a powerful support weapon for infantry and recon units. During WWII, M5s were also supplied to British, Soviet, and French forces.

First deployed in combat during the Vietnam War, the M551 Sheridan was also the first US tank to be fully amphibious, as well as airborne capable. This book covers the M551 in close-up detail, from the suspension and engine compartment, to the vehicle's interior and armaments.

First deployed in combat during the Vietnam War, the M551 Sheridan was also the first US tank to be fully amphibious, as well as airborne capable. This book covers the M551 in close-up detail, from the suspension and engine compartment, to the vehicle's interior and armaments.